PITTSBURGH — Could the Pittsburgh Steelers have found their next great running back? Rookie Kaleb Johnson is turning heads with a fearless declaration that has the NFL buzzing, sources told ESPN on May 21, 2025.
The third-round pick believes he’s destined for greatness—and he’s not afraid to say it.“I could be a Derrick Henry back, or I could be a Dalvin Cook back,” Johnson proclaimed in an interview with Missi Matthews on Steelers.com.
“That’s what separates me from a lot of backs in the league and in this class.” The bold comparison to two of the NFL’s elite running backs has sparked excitement among Steeler Nation.Johnson, selected 83rd overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, arrives with big shoes to fill after Najee Harris signed with the Los Angeles Chargers.
At Iowa, the 6’1”, 220-pound back ran for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns in his final season, adding 22 catches for 188 yards. His explosive style earned him the No. 1 RB fit in the draft class by PFF’s Trevor Sikkema.The Steelers’ run game, which ranked 24th in passing yards (186.1 per game) in 2024, desperately needs a spark.
Johnson’s size and speed—he clocked 22 mph despite a 4.57-second 40-yard dash—draw parallels to Henry’s bruising power, while his 188 receiving yards echo Cook’s versatility. “I’m a fast back, a strong back, and I can catch out of the backfield,” Johnson added.Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, who once coached Henry to a 2,027-yard season in Tennessee, sees Johnson as a perfect fit for his zone-heavy scheme.
“Kaleb has the vision and acceleration Najee lacked,” an unnamed scout told Behind the Steel Curtain. Johnson could lead the team in carries by October, some analysts predict.At rookie minicamp, Johnson turned heads. “He’s all rocked up—he looks every bit an NFL player,” Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette said on 93.7 The Fan.
Alongside Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell, Johnson gives the Steelers a deep backfield, but his ceiling is what excites fans.Fans on X are electric, with one user posting, “Johnson’s confidence is infectious! He could be our next star!” The team, mired in a 9-year playoff win drought since 2016, sees hope in the rookie.
“If I’m playing, I’m giving my all to the Steelers,” Johnson vowed.With OTAs underway, all eyes are on Johnson. Can he live up to his lofty comparisons and lead Pittsburgh’s ground game to new heights? Steeler Nation is ready to find out.