The Pittsburgh Steelers running back room consists of two of the most promising young backs in all of football. Jaylen Warren and rookie Kaleb Johnson are set to carry the majority of the workload in the Steelers' backfield in 2025, with Kenneth Gainwell expected to take some reps as well. Warren recently signed a two-year extension earlier this week and will open the 2025 season as the top running back on the depth chart.
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Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Johnson was the Steelers' third-round pick this past April. The rookie showed major flashes of his potential throughout training camp, but seemed to struggle in the preseason to truly get going. Johnson could emerge as a legitimate weapon behind Warren this year, but the promising rookie will more than likely need to wait his time.
Former Steelers running back Merril Hoge recently took a moment to share his thoughts on Johnson, as the former Steelers standout feels as if Johnson could get off to a slow start in his rookie campaign.
"Well, I've always thought every player needs two years," Hoge stated. "Find out who they really are in their second year. Rarely does, I don't care what the position is, do they just come in and make a massive impact. Studying him when he came out, I liked the overall skill set. I think he's extremely fluid."
Hoge continued to talk about some of the keys to Johnson's success in the NFL.
"I think he has some power and is a decisive runner," said Hoge. "He has some explosive ability. In our league though, what happens and I think catches almost all runners off guard, unless it's really the staple, is being a really decisive runner."
Johnson struggling to begin the season should not be alarming at all to fans. Many rookies struggle early on to start their career, as the transition from the college level to the pros can be a completely different process for everyone. Johnson may benefit from playing behind Warren as well, as this will allow for the rookie to take his time with things and slowly get comfortable.
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Pittsburgh Steelers running backs Jaylen Warren (30) and Kaleb Johnson (20) during a Friday Night Lights practice in training camp practice in Latrobe, PA. Both backs will lead Pittsburgh's backfield in 2025 along with former Philadelphia Eagles running back, Kenneth Gainwell (14).
The Steelers' young running back duo is among the most promising in the league. Warren, 26, is expected to be the Steelers' lead back for years to come, but Johnson could emerge as the ultimate complementary piece.
Steelers RBs Jaylen Warren And Kaleb Johnson Could Be The NFL's Next Best Duo
Both Warren and Johnson are very young players with a golden opportunity to break out this season. The duo could quickly emerge as the next best one-two punch for many years to come. Warren is expected to take the majority of the reps throughout the year, but Johnson may see his role increasing as the season goes on.
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Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20) runs with the football as he goes through a drill while the team participates in a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. The rookie will look to pick up where he left off at Iowa and become a staple in Pittsburgh's running game for 2025.
Despite large expectations, Johnson is still a rookie and may take his time in his transition to the NFL level. The talented running back could end up breaking through at some point in the season, but Hoge's comments could be a very realistic possibility as well. The Steelers will face the New York Jets on the road this Sunday at MetLife Stadium where Johnson will look to get his rookie season off to a hot start.
Do you think Johnson will shine during his rookie year? Or do you tend to agree more with what Hoge is preaching? Let us know what you think in the comments down below!
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