Steelers Rookie Kaleb Johnson Has Some Serious Work To Do For This One Critical Part Of His Game

The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially kicked off training camp, and it's an exciting time for both fans and players. This offseason, the team worked hard to reshape the roster by bringing in a mix of seasoned veterans and promising rookies. With so many new faces on the team, there’s been plenty of talk around how these additions will fit into the team and step into their roles for the upcoming season.

It's natural to feel excited about rookies, as they often come with plenty of potential and are seen as strong fits for a team's future. One rookie creating conversations is Kaleb Johnson, a running back the Steelers selected in the third round. While there’s optimism about what Johnson can bring, Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo recently pointed out a point of concern. On a recent episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, Fittipaldo shared that he still has some questions about Johnson, especially if the Steelers expect him to step into a significant role.

"I do need to see him exhibit better hands," Fittipaldo said. "That's been the one kind of disappointment that I have in him to this point. If they really do envision him as a three-down running back in the future, you got to be able to catch the football. He's had a few drops and he's got to get better in that regard."

During the offseason, the Steelers let go of their leading rusher from last season, Najee Harris. His loss creates an opportunity for Johnson to step in and make an immediate impact. It also paves the way for fellow running back Jaylen Warren to take on a larger role. While Warren is expected to begin the season as the primary ball carrier, likely splitting carries with Johnson, many believe Johnson has the potential to eventually take over as the starter by season’s end.

Johnson’s selection was especially significant because, although he was drafted in the third round, he was actually the Steelers’ second pick in the draft due to the team not having a second-round selection after a previous trade. There was a lot of uncertainty surrounding the Steelers’ draft plans, as they had been linked to various players and positions.

Despite what seems like competition between the two, Warren has expressed that he’s actively helping Johnson develop in areas where he already excels. While both are vying for the starting role, Warren’s willingness to mentor shows his team-first mindset and commitment to the Steelers’ overall success. One key area of focus has been pass protection, a crucial skill for any running back looking to make a lasting impact.

Throughout the Steelers' storied history, there has always been a strong emphasis on the ground game and a tough, hard-nosed style of football. Even with the addition of veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is known for his elite arm talent, the run game remains a key part of the offensive strategy. 

At 41 years old, Rodgers is the oldest active player in the league, so it’s unrealistic to expect him to throw the football every single time. That’s where the running backs come in, ready to play a crucial role in balancing the offense and keeping defenses on their toes.

The Steelers Have Significant Pressure

Rookies naturally face an intense amount of pressure in their first year, as it’s their debut on the professional stage, and they’re eager to prove they deserve it, all while adjusting to a brand new system and environment. With the many changes the Steelers have made, it’s clear the team is trying to stay competitive even while entering a bit of a rebuilding phase, especially with this likely being Rodgers’ final season. While players like Johnson and other rookies may have time to develop, the offseason is a key opportunity to grow and improve before the even greater pressure of the regular season kicks in.

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