As the Pittsburgh Steelers continue to prepare for the start of training camp, the team finds themselves with multiple young players who shined during rookie minicamp. Pittsburgh, who is credited with one of the strongest rookie classes in the league, has seen breakout moments from a number of players, such as first round pick Derrick Harmon, and sixth round selection, Will Howard.
Troy Wayrynen / Imagn Images
Steelers rookie and former University of Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon bursts off the line of scrimmage and evades a University of Illinois offensive lineman during a collegiate football contest.
Harmon was drafted with the 21st overall pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, and is an elite defensive tackle that has excellent playmaking capabilities. Widely regarded as one of the best players in the class at his position, Harmon should make an instant impact on the Steelers' defensive line. The former Oregon Duck is expected to shine under Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin, and is one of the early frontrunners for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Howard, a five-year college veteran and National Champion, has shown major signs of improvement throughout rookie camp, as it has been reported that the former Ohio State Buckeye has looked extremely comfortable so far. With the Steelers' quarterback room currently consisting of Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson and Howard, the former National Champion is expected to have a real shot at Pittsburgh's QB1 role. With both Harmon and Howard continuing to show improvement on the field, Steelers rookie running back Kaleb Johnson continues to excel as well.
With so much excitement surrounding Harmon and Howard, Johnson is continuing to grow with praise too. Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig gave his thoughts on Pittsburgh's newest running back.
"I think the running back we drafted, Kaleb Johnson -- I played him in college at Iowa, and I always thought he was a good player," Herbig stated. "I think that just adds depth to our running back room because we already have Jaylen [Warren] and Kenny [Gainwell] and I think those are two great running backs and I think Kaleb can provide that different aspect to our room."
At just 21 years old, Johnson has shown flashes of elite potential throughout rookie camp and is expected to play a major role in the Steelers' running back room behind Jaylen Warren to start the year. At 6'1", 225 pounds, the former Iowa Hawkeye has elite speed and was considered to be one of the many major steals of the draft. Selected by the Steelers with the 83rd overall pick in the third round, Johnson should add some major depth to the Steelers' offense and is expected to make an impact almost instantly.
AP photo
Former Iowa running back scores a touchdown against the Washington Huskies.
Herbig, who was drafted by the Steelers in 2023, is a fast and shifty linebacker that has shown major signs of improvement over the course of his first two seasons himself. Drafted with the 132nd overall pick in the fourth round that year, Herbig's athleticism has played a major role in his success on the Steelers' defense in recent years. The former Wisconsin Badger should pair nicely on the same defensive unit as Harmon, as both were considered to be elite defensive playmakers on the college level.
Steelers' Running Back Room Looks As Strong As Ever
With multiple questions yet to be answered in both the quarterback and wide receiver rooms, the Steelers now find themselves with a running back room that is loaded with young talent and potential. As Pittsburgh continues to monitor both the free agency and trade market in hopes of acquiring veteran depth, the 2025 rookie class continues to shine in minicamp.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers rookies Kaleb Johnson and Will Howard during the first day of rookie minicamp in 2025.
With Rudolph currently listed as the Steelers' starting quarterback in 2025, both Warren and Johnson are expected to take on an extremely heavy workload. As the start of training camp continues to grow closer, Steelers fans should keep a close eye on the team's quarterback situation.
Do you think Johnson will have a breakout rookie season? Do you agree with Herbig's statement? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
