It took until the No. 83 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, but former Iowa star Kaleb Johnson finally heard his name called. The Pittsburgh Steelers took a chance on the former Iowa star as they aim to improve their offense.
The Steelers averaged 127.4 rushing yards per game (No. 11 overall) and 22.4 points per game (No. 16 overall). Many questioned the move due to the Steelers not having a solid quarterback on the roster.
That does not matter to Johnson, who is ready to prove himself at the NFL level. Fans know what Johnson brings and expressed their feelings on social media.
Great pick.. back to taking the best players available is the best strategy.
— HOSS 🥷✳️ (@CosmosHOSS) April 26, 2025
Johnson fell to a lower spot than he was projected, but the Steelers are not complaining after signing the best running back left on the board.
@steelers need another RB. Great pick.
— Jon O’Brien (@KCA_builds) April 26, 2025
Having depth at the running back position is never bad. Johnson is a workhorse back who can run between the tackles or stretch the run outside. Give him a chance, and let him go to work.
Y'all got an absolute stud!!
— Youngling Slayer (@zhamilton18) April 26, 2025
I could not agree more with Youngling. The six-foot-one, 224-pound Johnson is built like a bruiser, but runs with vision. He can be an every-down back and proved that at Iowa.
STEAL OF THE DRAFT. UNREAL. WILL BE A TOP 5 rb within 3 years
— Matthew Schwiete (@SchwieteMatthew) April 26, 2025
Kaleb Johnson went lower than projected in a strong running back class. The steal of the draft might be a stretch, but I love the vote of confidence!
Steal of the draft! 🖤💛
— Nancy Ann (@NancyDanks) April 26, 2025
Another post calling Johnson the steal of the draft. There is no argument from this end, and if KJ can continue to develop his game, he can easily be the steal of the draft.
"KJ2" is one of the best running backs in Iowa history, and he stays in the black and gold. The Steelers got a workhorse, multi-dimensional back who will continue to get better.