The 2025 NFL Draft has come and gone. Some surprising storylines arose as the draft concluded, but one story remained the same: the Pittsburgh Steelers loved former Iowa Hawkeyes in this draft.
After the draft concluded, Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin and General Manager Omar Khan made it a point to address their draft strategy and how it fit with "Steeler DNA."
Khan referred to Steeler DNA as something you know. It is in a person's character, and when it comes to Steeler DNA, it is not something you can be taught. Tomlin also noted their focus in this draft was retooling their physicality.
Steelers' culture encompasses big, physical play on both sides of the ball, and Tomlin stressed they need to return to that. Selecting Kaleb Johnson was part of that focus.
How Mike Tomlin sees Kaleb Johnson fitting in the Steelers backfield pic.twitter.com/5yFUSPinMo
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) April 28, 2025
Tomlin was adamant that KJ is the perfect fit for the Steelers. He was less concerned about measurable results and more concerned with Johnson's resume.
Johnson was a workhorse back for the Hawkeyes last season and was the center of the offense. During his junior season, KJ tallied 1,537 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns. The 21 rushing touchdowns broke the Iowa single-season record (20) by Shonn Greene.
The Steelers need a high-volume back who can dominate the backfield in carries. Johnson can do just that.
"He (Johnson) is a high-volume, capable runner who made a lot of NFL Sunday-like runs. It made the evaluation a fun one."Mike Tomlin, Steelers HC
Johnson could be the "Steel" of the draft and will fit perfectly into an offense that does not know who their starting quarterback is. KJ is used to carrying an offense, and Tomlin might call on him early to bear the brunt of the offensive snaps.