Former Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kaleb Johnson knows a thing or two about uplifting an offense in a hurry. Last year, the 2024 Big Ten Running Back of the Year and All-American put together a historic season in Iowa City on his way to becoming a 2025 NFL Draft pick.
Selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round, Kaleb Johnson joining the Steel City has been drawing strong grades from the jump. The case is no different from ESPN.
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ESPN has put the Steelers’ selection of Kaleb Johnson among the best picks of the entire draft.
My final overall ranking: No. 44
One of the first things that comes to mind when thinking about the Steelers is powerful, physical backs who run downhill. Johnson punished defenses at Iowa (and also excelled on outside zone carries). And Pittsburgh got him 39 spots lower than where I ranked him. – Matt Miller, ESPN
The pick is strong for a multitude of reasons. The first being that the Steelers were able to land a running back who can turn back the clock a little bit and be the old-school workhorse that can run downhill and wear down defenses. Johnson isn’t afraid of contact and tough yards.
Secondly, Johnson was one of the top running backs in all of college football during the 2024-25 season. The value Pittsburgh got by drafting an instant starter in the third round is unmatched.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Pittsburgh Steelers drafting Iowa football RB Kaleb Johnson commended