The Pittsburgh Steelers invested in Kaleb Johnson, selecting the running back in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Johnson impressed scouts with his powerful running style while at Iowa, consistently facing stacked boxes in the Big Ten and still managing to excel. Now, Johnson aims to translate that success to the NFL level, competing for a role in the Steelers’ backfield alongside Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell. However, early indications suggest that Johnson is facing an uphill battle to earn the trust of Head Coach Mike Tomlin and the Steelers’ coaching staff.
This article explores the challenges Kaleb Johnson faces as he transitions to the NFL, focusing on his progress in pass protection, decision-making, and overall understanding of the Steelers’ offensive scheme. We’ll examine insights from Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo, who has closely observed Johnson’s performance during training camp. Furthermore, we’ll analyze Tomlin’s public challenge to Johnson and what the rookie needs to do to gain the coaches’ confidence.
Early Struggles and Transition to the NFL
Kaleb Johnson’s transition to the NFL hasn’t been seamless. While his talent and physicality are evident, the rookie is grappling with the complexities of NFL defenses. His decision-making at the line of scrimmage appears slower compared to his college days, where he relied heavily on his power. As Ray Fittipaldo pointed out, hesitation is costly in the NFL, with defenders closing gaps far faster than in the Big Ten.
Pass protection is another area of concern for Johnson. He is still learning to recognize blitzes and protect the quarterback, a crucial aspect for Steelers running backs. Fittipaldo emphasized this on 93.7 The Fan, stating, ‘There’s no way the Steelers are going to trust Kaleb Johnson to pass protect or catch the ball out of the backfield.’
These early struggles are not entirely unexpected for a rookie. The speed and complexity of the NFL require a significant adjustment period. However, Johnson’s ability to quickly learn and improve will determine his role in the Steelers’ offense.
Tomlin’s Challenge and Expectations
Following Johnson’s preseason debut against the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he rushed eight times for just 20 yards, Mike Tomlin publicly challenged the rookie to trust himself more. As Fittipaldo noted, ‘You know you heard Mike Tomlin and Andy Weidl talk yesterday just about how Kaleb has to start trusting himself… I think Kaleb is going through that right now. Not a great first performance against the Jaguars.’
Tomlin’s challenge underscores the high expectations the Steelers have for their running backs. They must contribute in all phases of the game, not just as runners. Pass protection, catching passes out of the backfield, and making smart decisions are essential for earning playing time.
Johnson’s response to Tomlin’s challenge will be crucial. He must demonstrate a willingness to learn and improve in the areas where he is struggling. Consistent progress in the coming weeks could still allow him to become the physical and resilient back the Steelers envisioned when they drafted him.
Warren and Gainwell’s Impressive Performances
While Johnson works to earn the coaching staff’s trust, Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell have been making strong impressions. Fittipaldo believes Warren is firmly the RB1, and Gainwell has been looking impressive in training camp. Their performances have further complicated Johnson’s path to playing time.
Warren’s explosiveness and versatility make him a valuable asset to the Steelers’ offense. Gainwell’s experience and pass-catching ability provide another dimension to the backfield. Johnson will need to outperform these veterans to carve out a significant role.
The Steelers’ running game, as a whole, has faced challenges during training camp. According to Fittipaldo, ‘It’s not… The blocking has been part of it. Isaac Seumalo has not been around very much during training camp… That is part of it.’ Improvements in blocking and overall execution will be necessary for the running game to succeed, regardless of who is carrying the ball.
Johnson’s Path Forward
Kaleb Johnson’s path to meaningful snaps in his rookie season hinges on his ability to prove his dependability in all aspects of the game. He must demonstrate consistent progress in pass protection, decision-making, and overall understanding of the Steelers’ offensive scheme. If he can show these improvements in the coming weeks, he may still become the physical and resilient back the Steelers envisioned when they selected him in the third round.
Ultimately, Johnson’s success will depend on his work ethic, his ability to learn from his mistakes, and his willingness to embrace the challenges of the NFL. The Steelers have a history of developing talented running backs, and Johnson has the potential to be the next in line.
Conclusion
Kaleb Johnson faces a significant challenge in earning the trust of Mike Tomlin and the Steelers’ coaching staff. His early struggles with pass protection and decision-making have raised concerns about his readiness to contribute in all phases of the game. However, Tomlin’s public challenge to Johnson suggests that the Steelers still believe in his potential.
To succeed, Johnson must demonstrate a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn, and consistent improvement in the areas where he is struggling. The competition in the Steelers’ backfield is fierce, but Johnson has the talent and physicality to carve out a role for himself. Whether he can rise to the occasion and become a valuable contributor to the Steelers’ offense remains to be seen, but his journey will be one to watch closely throughout the season.
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