Former Iowa football star tabbed pivotal rookie for 2025 NFL season
Most of the time, these players have been located in the trenches or at the tight end positions, as the Hawkeyes have had a lot of success putting players into the NFL at those positions. But recently, some players at other spots have been game changers as well.
Just look at Cooper DeJean in Philadelphia last season. He jumped onto the scene as a rookie, making huge plays left and right, especially in their playoff run. He was a big reason why the Eagles won the Super Bowl, and he was definitely a pivotal rookie last season. And another former Hawkeye could be in a similar position to play a huge role as a rookie.
NFL.com released an article naming one pivotal rookie for every NFL team in 2025, and one former Hawkeye football star made the list.
Which former Hawkeye made NFL.com's list?
NFL.com listed Kaleb Johnson as the most pivotal rookie for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025. The Steelers selected the former Hawkeye star running back in the third round of the NFL Draft after former first-round pick Najee Harris left in free agency. Johnson was slated as the third-string running back on the Steelers' latest depth chart behind Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell, but NFL.com is projecting a big year for him.
Despite a downturn late last season, the expectation is the Steelers' defense will be good, if not great, in 2025. There is less to be convinced about on offense, which is why I'm going with Johnson over first-round pick Derrick Harmon here, even though I'm bullish on Harmon's prospects of becoming a staple on the interior of the defensive line. Aaron Rodgers is going to have a hard time maximizing his potential at 41 years old without the threat of a strong running game. Jaylen Warren has yet to prove he's capable of long-term bell-cow duty, leaving the door open for Johnson to claim the spot. Pittsburgh drafted him to be the quintessential one-cut runner who fights for the extra yards even though there's not much razzle-dazzle to his game. -NFL.com
Last season at Iowa, Johnson rushed for 1,537 yards and a school record 21 touchdowns en route to being named an All-American. He was an absolute stud and a big reason why Iowa's offense took a massive step forward in the first year under Tim Lester.
Now Johnson will get the chance to show what he can do at the professional level. And Hawkeye fans won't have to wait long to see him make his debut. Johnson is slated to play in the Steelers' first preseason game this Saturday against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Kick-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT.
Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions. Follow Zach on X: @zach_hiney
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