Steelers Rookie Sends A Bold Message To The Fan Base After A Promising Performance

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Kaleb Johnson in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The running back has continued to make fans excited about his potential moving forward, but the rookie had an underwhelming performance in his preseason debut against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Johnson bounced back in Week 2, as the ball-carrier was credited with a team-high 50 rushing yards on 11 carries.

Johnson looked much more comfortable against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers than he did against the Jaguars. The former Iowa Hawkeye broke free for an impressive 14-yard run, which was his longest gain of the night. Johnson took a moment to speak with Steelers insider Mark Kaboly after the loss, where the rookie running back claimed he felt much more like himself throughout his second NFL game.

Johnson said he was mostly feeling things out during the game against Jacksonville and he will be playing at 110% from now on.

"I felt a lot more comfortable and just running hard and being me." Johnson stated. "The first game, I was just feeling it out and feeling the flow of how the NFL was, and me being timid that game."

Johnson then added that he will not be timid moving forward, and the rookie running back will be giving Pittsburgh his all during 2025.

"Now, I am coming out and going 110% and ready to get back to work on Monday."

Johnson is an exciting young running back that will begin the year playing behind another exciting young running back in Jaylen Warren. Johnson will have a real role on the Steelers' offense during his rookie season, and he may find himself getting an increase in playing time if he starts to perform at a high level. The former Iowa star seemed to be gaining confidence as the game progressed, and Johnson ended up flashing his potential on a number of different plays.

Johnson will more than likely continue gaining confidence and improving as the preseason goes on. The rising star will see an increase in reps as well, as Head Coach Mike Tomlin will continue to slowly ramp up the rookies' workload prior to Week 1 at MetLife Stadium. Johnson will be an excellent fit in Arthur Smith's offensive scheme and should become a significant playmaker in the Steelers' backfield at some point in his rookie season.

Steelers Rookies Johnson And Derrick Harmon Were Top Contributors In Week 2 Of The Preseason

Johnson and Derrick Harmon stole the show on opposite sides of the ball on Saturday night in Pittsburgh. Harmon was credited with the first sack of his career, where the rookie was able to steamroll past the offensive lineman and slam Kyle Trask to the ground. Harmon got off to a slow start in Week 1 in similar fashion to Johnson, but Harmon showing multiple signs of improvement throughout the night is an excellent sign of things to come in the future.

Harmon was the Steelers' first round pick in 2024. Many believe that the rookie could follow a path similar to Cam Heyward and TJ Watt, as Harmon was one of the better defensive prospects available towards the end of the first round. Harmon is expected to start Week 1 and could quickly become a key member of Pittsburgh's defensive line.

Both Johnson and Harmon will continue adjusting to the NFL level throughout the preseason. Both rookies are noticeably more comfortable, and Johnson's role is expected to keep expanding the more he stands out. The Steelers face the Carolina Panthers on Thursday night, where both rookies will look to keep making plays and continue establishing themselves.

Which rookie are you more excited to see make their regular season debut — Johnson or Harmon? Let us know in the comments down below!

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