Steelers Pick Starting Running Back in Round 3

On Friday, the stage was set for the Pittsburgh Steelers to end their questions under center. With their second-round pick traded for receiver DK Metcalf, fans waited anxiously as quarterbacks continued to fall not only out of Round 2 but deep into Round 3.

And yet, at No. 83, Pittsburgh once again decided to go in a different direction.

The Steelers picked Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson over quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders and Jalen Milroe, a controversial selection that nonetheless still filled a hole in the starting lineup.

Johnson, already used to bruising in black and yellow, will replace Najee Harris, who departed for the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency. He’ll step into a running back room with Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell and will likely be expected to start.

More important than his immediate role is his scheme fit. Last season, offensive coordinator Arthur Smith was expected to embrace more gap runs to fit Harris’ game. Instead, he stayed committed to zone concepts, and in 2025, he’ll have a back capable of weaponizing it.

Johnson made a college career out of the concept, excelling with his footwork and encouraging burst at 6-1, 224. In 2024, he led the Big Ten in rushing yards (1,537) and touchdowns (21).

His 4.58-second 40-yard dash isn’t very impressive, but he managed to find chunk gains at an inspiring rate with the Hawkeyes. His contact balance and raw power stand out, helping him excel between the tackles and when he can hunt down defensive backs on the perimeter.

Johnson was largely expected to be a Day 2 pick, having frequently been mocked to Pittsburgh in Round 2 (before the Metcalf trade) and eventually Round 3. He’s a fine value this late on Day 2 and could quickly become a core part of the offense’s plans.

Last season, the ground game struggled, especially on early downs. That left a passing offense out to dry, and when adversity hit, there wasn’t much to keep the unit above water.

Barring a trade, the Steelers will add onto the Johnson selection with the 123rd pick in Round 4.