Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers raised many eyebrows by passing on Shedeur Sanders in the 2025 NFL Draft, despite having multiple chances to take the Colorado quarterback.
Not only was the Buffaloes sensation available when the Steelers selected for the first time at No. 2, but Sanders was also without a team when Pittsburgh returned to the clock in the third round.
Still, the Steelers shocked the NFL world yet again by using the 83rd pick on running back Kaleb Johnson instead of Sanders. The decision made noise because, apart from the fact that they overlooked the quarterback, many question Johnson’s speed.
Tomlin, however, is not paying attention to the critics. The Steelers head coach has strongly defended the decision to take Johnson in the third round, regardless of what others think about the Iowa product.
Kaleb Johnson #RB16 of Iowa participates in a drill during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
“We didn’t question his speed whatsoever watching the video,” Tomlin said of Johnson, as quoted by Steeler Nation. “Oftentimes, that’s the case. You can watch video and be really excited about someone’s speed or you can go to the Combine and get excited about their Combine 40-time. His speed was not in question on video. He broke a lot of long runs in the Big Ten as we talked about earlier. He’s just a very talented young guy, but, also, at the same time, he’s a third-year junior and it’s just exciting to be a part of his continued growth process.”
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Arthur Smith believes Kaleb Johnson will play important role for Steelers
Johnson is joining a Steelers RB room that recently lost a key contributor in Najee Harris, who left for the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency. Now, the rookie is expected to prove his worth alongside Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell.
Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is fully on board with Johnson’s arrival, supporting Tomlin’s thoughts on the team’s new running back.
“That just depends on where Kaleb is at, and one thing Jaylen does, which is extremely valuable, is how much you trust him in protection and those critical possession downs,” Smith said. “Doesn’t mean a young guy can’t do it, but sometimes they can take something off his plate early on. Everything is new to him. The rookie years are long for these guys, and obviously, if something happens to Jaylen or somebody else, that means his role can expand.”
The Steelers’ draft picks in 2025
Tomlin and the Steelers selected seven players during the 2025 NFL Draft, and none of them was Shedeur Sanders. Before drafting Kaleb Johnson at No. 83, they used their No. 21 pick on DT Derrick Harmon. Eventually, the Steelers selected QB Will Howard after overlooking Sanders.
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- Derrick Harmon – Defensive Tackle – Round 1
- Kaleb Johnson – Running Back – Round 3
- Jack Sawyer – Linebacker – Round 4
- Yahya Black – Defensive End – Round 5
- Will Howard – Quarterback – Round 6
- Carson Bruener – Linebacker – Round 7
- Donte Kent – Cornerback – Round 7
