Latest news with #KalebJohnson
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
First impression of Steelers RB Kaleb Johnson after OTAs
The Pittsburgh Steelers knew a year ago they would not have running back Najee Harris in 2025. So when the 2025 NFL draft rolled around, no one was shocked when the Steelers spent a third-round pick on former Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson. Johnson got his first taste of the NFL during the first week of Steelers OTAs and here are some first impressions of the player. Johnson comes across as a very confident player who does not seem like the NFL is too big for him. Johnson was the heart and soul of the Iowa offense and you can see that level of maturity and leadership has carried over into the league. Johnson might not be the team's feature back in 2025 but there's no doubt the coaches aren't going to be fearful of putting Johnson on the field in important situations and downs. Advertisement The other thing that really jumped out about Johnson is his conditioning. There's nothing head coach Mike Tomlin wants more from a rookie than proper NFL-caliber conditioning. This will be even more important in July when training camp starts, but if this week is any indication, Johnson takes his conditioning very seriously and this is going to translate into early opportunities. Pittsburgh feels like they got a bargain and a special player in Johnson and early returns are in and they might have nailed this one. This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: First impressions of Steelers rookie Kaleb Johnson from Week One of OTAs
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
First impression of Steelers RB Kaleb Johnson after OTAs
First impression of Steelers RB Kaleb Johnson after OTAs The Pittsburgh Steelers knew a year ago they would not have running back Najee Harris in 2025. So when the 2025 NFL draft rolled around, no one was shocked when the Steelers spent a third-round pick on former Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson. Johnson got his first taste of the NFL during the first week of Steelers OTAs and here are some first impressions of the player. Johnson comes across as a very confident player who does not seem like the NFL is too big for him. Johnson was the heart and soul of the Iowa offense and you can see that level of maturity and leadership has carried over into the league. Johnson might not be the team's feature back in 2025 but there's no doubt the coaches aren't going to be fearful of putting Johnson on the field in important situations and downs. The other thing that really jumped out about Johnson is his conditioning. There's nothing head coach Mike Tomlin wants more from a rookie than proper NFL-caliber conditioning. This will be even more important in July when training camp starts, but if this week is any indication, Johnson takes his conditioning very seriously and this is going to translate into early opportunities. Pittsburgh feels like they got a bargain and a special player in Johnson and early returns are in and they might have nailed this one.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Steelers rookie Kaleb Johnson hones critical skill at OTAs — thanks to Jaylen Warren
Steelers rookie RB Kaleb Johnson needed to fix one area of his game in a hurry — and he came to RB Jaylen Warren for help. Johnson and Warren working together in the same running back room is a match made in heaven for the 2025 season — and it all comes down to pass protection. Advertisement Coming out of college, one of Johnson's only red flags was, as Pro Football Focus so eloquently describes, "some bad misses in pass protection" — while that skill, in particular, is one where Warren shines the brightest. While speaking to reporters at Steelers OTAs, Johnson explained how he was honing his pass protection with Warren's help (courtesy of Amanda Godsey): "Warren — I've been on him every day about [pass protection]. You know, questioning him — how to do this, how to do that, and make sure I get my technique down to point A. That's the main thing right now, is learning how to pass block great and be liable." There is arguably no running back better than Warren to learn blocking skills from — and if Johnson can emulate even a fraction of his technique, Steelers fans will be in for a treat this upcoming season. Advertisement For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like. This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers OTAs: Kaleb Johnson learns critical skill from Jaylen Warren
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Versatility will be mantra of Steelers running back room
PITTSBURGH (Black & Gold Nation) — Replacing Najee Harris's production will likely not be the job of 'who' rather 'whom' this season as the Steelers retool their running back room. Pittsburgh comes out of OTAs with three key pieces in its backfield. Returning veterans Jaylen Warren, former fifth round pick Kenneth Gainwell, and rookie Kaleb Johnson, the latter of who turned a number of heads during the team's first workouts this week. 'I feel like it's some of the same stuff that we did in Iowa. So I feel like I'm coming in and I'm really having an advantage a little bit because it's kind of like the same stuff I did back in college.,' he said. Johnson looks the part with and without the ball in his hand. He measured in at 6-foot-1 inches and 224 pounds during the NFL Combine, and while his top-end speed isn't eye-popping, he made a habit out of making big plays last season. His 21 carries of 20-plus yards trailed only Heisman Winner Ashton Jeanty in college football. His build and skillset is a perfect merlot to steak the of the room, Jaylen Warren. Warren has been a fan favorite of sorts in Pittsburgh. A small, compact rusher, he's racked up 1,674 yards and six touchdowns in three seasons behind Harris. And he did all that at nearly 5 yards per carry. Warren runs hard, really hard, and flashes good hands. Warren's 127 catches are the 13th most since coming into the league for running backs, a stat made most impressive by his secondary role in the backfield. Former Eagles backup Kenneth Gainwell is a similar back to Warren, small and compact with great hands. While he lacks the bulk and power of Warren, he makes it up in 4.4 speed. Gainwell has spent four seasons in Philadelphia working behind Miles Sanders, D'Andre Swift and Saquon Barkley and will have his best chance to truly move up the depth chart this summer. 'Seeing Jaylen's power, seeing Jaylen's work ethic, that's the same way I take the game,' he said. 'I feel I think we can collab real good. And then bringing K.J. along with us, man I think it's going to be a great show. And hopefully ya'll are ready for it.' The Steelers let Najee Harris walk this offseason. He'd sign with the Los Angeles Chargers. Whether you love Harris or not, the former first round pick had a productive tenure in Pittsburgh. He recorded 1,000-yard seasons in each of his four years. His 4,312 yards is the fifth most among running backs since 2021. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Kaleb Johnson Must Perfect Pass Protection to Make Steelers Rookie Impact
PITTSBURGH — There's a steep learning curve in one aspect of Kaleb Johnson's professional game. The Pittsburgh Steelers tailback knows how to carry the ball. In a much smaller sample size, he's demonstrated that he's able to catch passes out of the backfield. Getting pass protection down is a facet of Johnson's game that he wants to solidify. He has a solid tutor in Jaylen Warren, who's put more than a few rushers on their backs while playing for the Steelers. Advertisement 'Warren, I've been on him every day about it,' Johnson said after Thursday's OTA practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. 'Questioning him how to do this, how to do that, and make sure I get my technique down to Point A.' Johnson worked through drills, jabbing his hands into a large weighted ball, shuffling in front of assistant coaches holding pads, and lunging at a large punching bag from his knees. He's learning there's more to the craft than simply stepping into someone. 'Adjusting to the technique of pass-blocking,' Johnson said. 'It was different when I was at Iowa. It was just you get out there and you get low and hit, but now here you've gotta (get) technique, low, and bring your hips.' Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson at OTAs on May 28, 2025. — Ed Thompson / Steelers now The Steelers' third-round draft pick has been trying to soak up whatever he can from the veterans in the room, including free agent addition Kenneth Gainwell. Advertisement 'He definitely looks like a rookie,' Gainwell said of Kaleb Johnson with a laugh. 'I love his attitude of wanting to learn. He wants to learn from us. He actually pushes all the time, and just coming in just asking, 'What do I need to be doing on this? How am I looking on this?' Or, 'What steps (do) I need to be taking on this?' … I'm happy he's asking questions.' This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Kaleb Johnson Must Perfect Pass Protection to Make Steelers Rookie Impact Related Headlines
