The Pittsburgh Steelers have made blockbuster moves all the offseason. The most important of them all is clearly having future NFL Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers as the new quarterback. However, it seems like one of the new weapons is failing to captivate the coaching staff.
Running back Kaleb Johnson is not having the best of times early in pass-protection drills. Per Mike DeFabo of The Athletic, Johnson is “off to a rough start” on running backs vs. linebackers drills. Johnson struggled with this same issue during his college days.
According to the report, Johnson “lost three reps cleanly against Malik Harrison before Steelers RB coach Eddie Faulkner had to give the rookie some pointers on his technique.” This is awful news for a player with plenty of hype.
Johnson has plenty to improve
If Johnson doesn’t evolve in this area, he might find himself third on the depth chart. Jaylen Warren is by far and away the best blocking back, but newly-arrived Kenneth Gainwell outplayed Johnson too.
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.
Johnson’s strengths are as a ball handler. He runs with finesse, relies on tempo and is patient. He reminds everyone of an early-days Le’Veon Bell. However, that’s not all a running back needs to do, blocking is key. This is enhanced even more when you see who you’re playing with. Mike Tomlin is a coach that values effort and physicality. Also, Aaron Rodgers is 40 years old and his mobility is not what it used to be, he needs to be bought time.
Warren and Gainwell are good but not elite
Gainwell served as the backup for the Eagles during their Super Bowl run last season. However, he is a good runner. He won’t be a Saquon Barkley, but is a good back for rotational plays. As for Warren, he used to be in a committee with Najee Harris on Pittsbugh. He served as a pass-catching back with huge acceleration to Harris’ more physical, yet swift style of running.
Now with Harris gone, Warren is the one in better position to establish himself as a star. He knows the playbook, the coaches, and has been very productive. Having said that, he is not someone that has proven he can be a three-down back in the NFL. Every running back on the Steelers is out to prove they belong.
