Johnson Chosen As The Steelers' Best 2025 Draft Pick

Photo: University of Iowa Athletics

This year’s draft class showcased a wealth of highly skilled and productive running backs. According to one CBS analyst, the Pittsburgh Steelers made a prudent selection with their choice.

In his latest assessment of each NFL team's top draft selection, analyst Chris Trapasso recognized Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson as the team's best choice. Johnson, selected in the third round, was deemed the optimal fit for offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s wide-zone scheme following the departure of Najee Harris this offseason. Securing Johnson at this stage of the draft further underscores the value of the selection.

"Round 3 is a much more reasonable time to select a thick running back than in the late stages of Round 1. Johnson glides on inside and outside zone runs and has effortless power to his game."

The buzz before the draft was that the team might take a big swing on Ohio State’s TreVeyon Henderson in the first round, especially after conducting three pre-draft meetings with him. Another name in the mix was Oklahoma State’s Olle Gordon II, who ultimately landed with the Miami Dolphins in the sixth round.

In the end, the Steelers went with a proven force in Kaleb Johnson, who racked up 1,537 rushing yards—good for seventh in the FBS in 2024. His combination of size, durability, and dominance in zone-running schemes likely sealed the deal for Pittsburgh’s decision-makers.