After former Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson's stock grew following a dynamic junior season for the Hawkeyes, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected him with the No. 83 pick in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
The star running back was productive for the Hawkeyes throughout his career in Iowa City, but broke out last season.
During the 2024-2025 season, Johnson racked up 1,537 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns on 240 carries. His 21 rushing touchdowns set a new Iowa program record.
After the Steelers selected Johnson, Head Coach Mike Tomlin had nothing but praise for the former Hawkeye.
Tomlin touted Johnson as a "high-volume, capable runner," who made a lot of NFL Sunday-like runs. He echoed similar sentiments following the Steelers' first day of training camp.
Even with the high praise that Tomlin has heaped on Johnson, the Steelers buried him on their initial depth chart for the 2025-2026 season.
We have released our initial 2025 depth chart.
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 5, 2025
Johnson found himself as the third-string running back behind projected starter Jaylen Warren and veteran Kenneth Gainwell.
While Tomlin is adamant that the preseason and early-season depth charts are no cause for alarm, it is disconcerting that Johnson is listed so far down the depth chart.
Gainwell was signed as a depth piece that was not expected to receive many carries with Warren and Johnson receiving the bulk of the backfield workload.
Johnson has shown his burst and power as a runner in training camp and continues to improve over time. As he continues to improve and adapt to professional football, there is no doubt that he will jump Gainwell and will push Warren for starting snaps.
This is by no means game over for Johnson, but it is shocking that after all the high praise and stellar showings at practices and training camp, he is listed as No. 3 on the Steelers' initial depth chart.