Round 3.83 RB Kaleb Johnson, Iowa

[bradshaw2ben]

KALEB JOHNSON, RB, Iowa
6010 - 224 lbs - 0958 hand - 3300 - 7848 -
Jr.
Age 21.7

HS RECRUITING: 3*

B2B Quick Take:
The most Steelers-like RB in the class, big and can run but not much as far as the other parts of NFL running Back job description Very little wiggle or evasiveness-- A style that will look familiar to fans of the team. Fits a Zone Blocking system––bett er vision than Harris–– but despite big breakaway runs in the B1G, it's questionable whether he has that kind of juice at the NFL level. Downside is he has a slow get off and takes a bit to get to top speed. Despite that he has above average speed score (weight-adjusted speed), which bodes well. Was one of the best in terms of contact balance and yards after contact. He'll likely need it in PIT with the telegraphed runs. I don't remember any pass game highlights in his reel... there may have been some but that's not his game. He is big enough to run the wheels off, he doesn't fumble, and he was easy to imagine in black and gold because... well... Iowa.

Rate the Pick: Hey, not picking a QB in the 1st 3 rounds is a HUUUUUUUUGE win. "QB NO MATTER WHAT IN 2026" is in full effect, which was the outcome they needed most. Another safe pick: just slap 22 on him and casual fans won't notice that anything has changed.

NFL Comparisons: Najee Harris, Tyler Allgeier

4.57 40 yd - 1.62 10 yd
Speed Score: 102.7101146 (above average)

RAS approx 7.054 (did not qualify due to limited testing)

Consensus Ranking: 70 (high 53, low 111)
Selected: 83
SFBoard Draft: 51

B2B Rank: 111th
B2B Position Rank: 13th
NFL.com: 6.21 (overall 91st, PR 7th)
Draftbuzz: 86.4. OVR 45, PR 3rd)
Emory Hunt: 74 (PR 37th)

2024
Production: 1,725 Yards, 23 TD’s
He accomplished this in JUST 12 Games and didn’t Fumble ONCE all season (262 Touches)..

Screenshot 2025-04-25 at 11.13.00 PM.png (86.42 KiB) Viewed 1926 times

Advanced Analytics:

* 2nd in Break Away Yards (861)
* 4th in Yards After Contact (1,060)
* 4.42 yards after contact per rush

AWARDS:
2022: Honorable Mention All-Big Ten Conference.
2024: Second-team Associated Press All-American. Big Ten RB of the Year. First-team All-Big Ten. Finalist for the Doak Walker Award (nation's top RB). Ranked sixth in the FBS with 138 points scored, tied for sixth with a school-record 21 rushing TDs, ranked seventh with 1,537 rushing yards (240 carries, 6.4 per), eighth with 1,725 all-purpose yards (22-188-8.5, 2 TDs receiving). Set school record with 23 total TDs.

BIO:

From his early days at Hamilton High School in Ohio to becoming one of Iowa's most prolific rushers, Kaleb Johnson's journey epitomizes the classic Big Ten power back evolution. The former three-star recruit arrived in Iowa City without much fanfare but quickly established himself as a force, breaking the Hawkeyes' freshman rushing record with 779 yards in 2022. His trajectory shot upward in 2024 when he exploded for 1,537 yards and set single-season school records with 23 total touchdowns and 21 rushing scores.

At 6'0", 225 pounds, Johnson authored one of the most dominant rushing seasons in Iowa history, becoming just the fifth Hawkeye to record multiple 200+ yard games. His 2024 campaign featured eight 100+ yard performances, including a masterful 206-yard eruption against Minnesota. The physical specimen joined rare company as one of just four Big Ten backs in the last decade to string together four consecutive games of 100+ yards and multiple touchdowns.

The accolades poured in during his final season as Johnson earned first-team All-America honors from multiple outlets and was named the Ameche-Dayne Big Ten Running Back of the Year. His 2,779 career rushing yards rank sixth in program history, placing him alongside Iowa legends like Sedrick Shaw and Shonn Greene. Perhaps most impressively, Johnson's 6.4 yards per carry in 2024 led the Big Ten while his 1,537 rushing yards ranked seventh nationally.

Brian Maafi Midseason Scouting Report:

Three-star from Hamilton, OH. 6 starts in '22. High quality rushing, poor blocker, below average receiver. 5 starts in '23. Average grades all around. Starter in '24. High quality rushing, average receiving grades. Solid but inconsistent passing pro. 240/1,535/21. KR experience.

NFL.com

Overview
Johnson is built like a bruiser, but his style is more finesse, preferring to win with tempo and decisiveness. He keeps his runs on time and on track while allowing blockers to do their job. He’s not overly aggressive, but he has the size and strength to break tackles and grab extra yards at the finish. He runs with below-average creativity and cut quickness but has consistent linear play speed to pop chunk runs. He can catch, but his three-down value takes a hit because of his struggles in pass pro. Johnson’s traits and running style make him a projectable fit in a two-back system with the upside to take on a bigger chunk down the road.

Strengths
Good size with an athletic, proportional frame.
Handled heavier workload and produced at a high level.
Running style tends to be patient but decisive.
Operates with consistent tempo and a trust for the run track.
Keeps feet active while reading block development.
Brushes off second-level tacklers and piles up explosive carries.
Capable of bringing in off-frame throws.
Weaknesses
Average bend leads to an upright running style.
Lacks sudden acceleration after feet are slowed.
Below-average contact aggression for his size.
Not enough lateral agility for sharp back-side cuts across the grain.
Unlikely to be trusted with third-down protection duties.

DraftBuzz

Scouting Report: Strengths
Masterful tempo control behind the line - presses holes with practiced patience before hitting the crease with explosive decisiveness that keeps defenders guessing
Devastating plant-and-go ability for a back his size - showcased repeatedly against Minnesota with three scores including a 40-yard home run
Natural forward lean and low pad level allow him to consistently fall forward, turning 2-yard gains into 5-yard chunks that wear down defensive fronts
Exceptional vision to set up blocks - manipulates second-level defenders with subtle hesitations before exploding through running lanes
Runs with controlled violence through contact, consistently breaking arm tackles while maintaining balance through traffic
Shows impressive burst to and through the hole - hit 21 runs of 20+ yards in 2024 despite facing stacked boxes
Reliable hands in the screen game - demonstrated with a 72-yard catch and run against Nebraska that showcased his open-field ability
Battle-tested workhorse who gets stronger as games progress - averaged 5.8 yards per carry in fourth quarters during 2024 season

Scouting Report: Weaknesses
Top-end speed is merely good not great - got caught from behind on several potential home runs including a notable instance against Michigan State
Pass protection technique needs significant refinement - tends to lead with his shoulder instead of establishing a proper base and punch
Limited creativity once initial running lane is clogged - lacks the lateral agility to consistently create something out of nothing
Route tree consists primarily of swings and checkdowns - needs development as a route runner to become a true three-down weapon
Can get too narrow through the hole at times, limiting his ability to make quick lateral adjustments when penetration disrupts the play

Scouting Report: Summary
Johnson has legitimate feature back potential in a gap/power scheme where his combination of vision, decisive cuts, and finishing power will make him an immediate impact player. The former Hawkeye brings a pro-ready frame with the kind of one-cut explosiveness through the hole that has NFL offensive coordinators salivating. His development as a receiver - highlighted by that 72-yard catch and run against Nebraska - shows he's just scratching the surface of his three-down potential.

What really jumps off the tape is Johnson's ability to maintain his explosive burst deep into games, a rare trait that separates good backs from great ones. His 2024 tape against Minnesota (206 yards) and Maryland (35 carries, 164 yards) showcased a back who actually gets stronger as defenses wear down. With his natural forward lean and impressive contact balance, he's got feature back written all over him. The film shows a runner who consistently creates chunk plays even against loaded boxes, evidenced by his 21 runs of 20+ yards in 2024.

A smart team will snag him in the second round and plug him in as their RB1 from day one. His combination of size, vision, and proven production against elite competition makes him one of the safer picks in this class. While he may need some early down spelling as he develops his pass protection, Johnson has all the tools to be a 1,200+ yard rusher who dominates in the red zone and wears defenses down in the fourth quarter. This is the kind of back who will make his offensive line look better and help control games in December.

FBGP

Strengths:
- Will never go broke taking a profit. Does a great job of
keeping the play on schedule and falling forward. Will find
the daylight and run to.
- Runs with good pad level and body lean, which helps him
generate both functional power and momentum, which is
why he tends to break a lot of tackles.
- Finished extremely well near and around the goal line. Will
be a strong asset in that regard.
- Good footwork for a back his size to pick & slide at the LOS.
Areas of Improvement:
- Primarily a frontside runner. Does not challenge the
backside gaps or defense. Will keep it play side mostly, and
if the defenders beat him to the spot, doesn’t have an
answer.
- Build-up speed type of guy, lacks the top tier burst to
threaten an edge or an open lane.
- Has to be stronger through lower body contact. Will find
himself getting chopped down a lot.

[Thrillsseeker]

Megalist portfolio coming soon. Comment away.

Looking forward to reading this!



Happy it’s not Sanders. Can’t believe his freefall.

[DumlinBumlinStumlin]

Another Leveon Bell

Seems to have good vision

Step right up, run off the wheels

[Mick]

Not my favorite RB, but does seem like a suitable counterpart for warren.

[bradshaw2ben]

Another Leveon Bell

Seems to have good vision

Step right up, run off the wheels

Najee with better vision and worse pass pro is a closer comaprison. Rather than being lanky like Bell, he's got short legs and choppier steps for a taller RB. And he has nowhere near the same universe of skills as a receiver or pass protector as Bell who was great at both.

[.Kodiak]

Someone else please tell me he's not a fucking Najee clone

[bradshaw2ben]

Not my favorite RB, but does seem like a suitable counterpart for warren.

Best thing about the pick: if you liked the Najee-Warren partnership, you'll dig this one. And then Gainwell will play 3rd downs and the 2 min offense.

[bradshaw2ben]

Someone else please tell me he's not a fucking Najee clone

He's close but has better vision in the zone blocking system looking for the hole. Eerily similar though... like almost as Najee-like as Harmon is Heyward-like.

[.Kodiak]

Not my favorite RB, but does seem like a suitable counterpart for warren.

Best thing about the pick: if you liked the Najee-Warren partnership, you'll dig this one. And then Gainwell will play 3rd downs and the 2 min offense.

Oh, well I guess I forgot that was actually a semi-late R3 pick. I suppose Najee isn't bad there to get a solid #2 to Warren.

[bradshaw2ben]

Not my favorite RB, but does seem like a suitable counterpart for warren.

Best thing about the pick: if you liked the Najee-Warren partnership, you'll dig this one. And then Gainwell will play 3rd downs and the 2 min offense.

Oh, well I guess I forgot that was actually a semi-late R3 pick. I suppose Najee isn't bad there to get a solid #2 to Warren.

Oh, don't be fooled. Johnson is gonna be the starter, sooner rather than later.

[shellwagnerblount]

Best thing about the pick: if you liked the Najee-Warren partnership, you'll dig this one. And then Gainwell will play 3rd downs and the 2 min offense.

Oh, well I guess I forgot that was actually a semi-late R3 pick. I suppose Najee isn't bad there to get a solid #2 to Warren.

Oh, don't be fooled. Johnson is gonna be the starter, sooner rather than later.

Are they taking another RB tomorrow, Wil? And do u think they should?

[tbsteel]

I don't see the Najee comparison really. Johnson is a much more instinctual and decisive runner. Najee thinks he's Barry Sanders and has some of the worst vision and natural instincts as a runner at the NFL level I've seen. I don't think Steelers fans appreciate how bad Najee really is and was.

I think Johnson is more Arian Foster. Or Joe Mixon with a little less juice but a pinch more ummph.

[.Kodiak]

Or Joe Mixon with a little less juice but a pinch more ummph.

Winner!

[SteelerDayTrader]

I still think the Steelers are in desperate need of another high quality pounder if they intend to rock pound

[langer]

The jump cuts as soon as he turns the corner in this vid are curious.

https://x.com/PickensBurgh/status/1915955290291282205

[shellwagnerblount]

The jump cuts as soon as he turns the corner in this vid are curious.

https://x.com/PickensBurgh/status/1915955290291282205

He looks to have great balance..

[bradshaw2ben]

I don't see the Najee comparison really. Johnson is a much more instinctual and decisive runner. Najee thinks he's Barry Sanders and has some of the worst vision and natural instincts as a runner at the NFL level I've seen. I don't think Steelers fans appreciate how bad Najee really is and was.

I think Johnson is more Arian Foster. Or Joe Mixon with a little less juice but a pinch more ummph.

Not the vision but the big guy running with finesse and size/speed/body type are really similar. I think Kaleb is an upgraded version, probably, but still a big, not so explosive RB who wheels can be run off but who won't fumble.

[bradshaw2ben]

Oh, well I guess I forgot that was actually a semi-late R3 pick. I suppose Najee isn't bad there to get a solid #2 to Warren.

Oh, don't be fooled. Johnson is gonna be the starter, sooner rather than later.

Are they taking another RB tomorrow, Wil? And do u think they should?

Doubt it. they have a nice stable. Add a high quality UDFA this year.

[Gonzo]

No QB in this draft before 5th round is a big win
Like Harmon pick
Johnson is meh but likely has a use
No again he was not a QB so hurray

[tbsteel]

I don't see the Najee comparison really. Johnson is a much more instinctual and decisive runner. Najee thinks he's Barry Sanders and has some of the worst vision and natural instincts as a runner at the NFL level I've seen. I don't think Steelers fans appreciate how bad Najee really is and was.

I think Johnson is more Arian Foster. Or Joe Mixon with a little less juice but a pinch more ummph.

Not the vision but the big guy running with finesse and size/speed/body type are really similar. I think Kaleb is an upgraded version, probably, but still a big, not so explosive RB who wheels can be run off but who won't fumble.

That's fair. There are definitely comparisons, but I just see different styles overall. Johnson really is a perfect fit for the wide zone whereas Najee was a fish out of water trying to pull that off.

[franco32]

The Najee comparisons are lazy IMO. Najee never had a run over 35 yrds in his first 3 seasons at Bama. I think his longest run was 42 with the Tide. Kaleb is on a whole other level in his ability to break longer runs. He's more explosive. Kaleb looks faster to me than his timed 4.57. Najee looked way slower than his timed 4.66. That's why Najee only had one run of 40 yrds his whole career with us (against a D selling out late in the game).

I'm not even going to get into the vision and ability to excel at stretch plays. Night and day.

Make no mistake this is a very very good pick and big upgrade for our running game. (Yes, even with Najee being a good receiver and blocker.)

[Steeldrama]

Disappointed in both the player and position selected

Scheme fit and the pundits seem to like Kaleb Johnson so I won’t lose sleep over it but man I don’t see any moves or explosion

The OL and DL is getting depleted while the run on RBs hasn’t even started yet

I would’ve went highest graded player on either line.

Will be plenty of quality RBs on the board tomorrow

Oh well

High floor draft so far

Deuce said Rodgers wants to be here so if he signs I think with Metcalf and Johnson additions the offense might be watchable

[CKSteeler]

Would it kill Tomlin to once, just once try to draft a RB who is a complete package? I guess its tougher to get that in the 3rd round, but christ go for a back who has power and speed. Someone who can contribute in all situations at the NFL level.

I reserve judgement until I see all of these guys play. But right now it screams power back to go with our smaller (though not real homerun threat) RB.

And this team is not particularly good at the RB by committee thing. Has never been under Tomlin.

[bradshaw2ben]

The Najee comparisons are lazy IMO. Najee never had a run over 35 yrds in his first 3 seasons at Bama. I think his longest run was 42 with the Tide. Kaleb is on a whole other level in his ability to break longer runs. He's more explosive. Kaleb looks faster to me than his timed 4.57. Najee looked way slower than his timed 4.66. That's why Najee only had one run of 40 yrds his whole career with us (against a D selling out late in the game).

I'm not even going to get into the vision and ability to excel at stretch plays. Night and day.

Make no mistake this is a very very good pick and big upgrade for our running game. (Yes, even with Najee being a good receiver and blocker.)

I’m glad you’re happy. I don’t see it. Kaleb running in the B1G which isn’t the same as who Najee was facing. Just isn’t.

Kaleb a non factor in passing game and a poor pass protector, so he’s not what I’m looking for in a modern NFL RB, especially for a team seeking to be so RB-focused.

The comparison is because he’s slow out of the blocks, is totally uncreative as a runner, never fumbled, is 20lbs bigger than most RBs in his class, and is for lack of a bette word plodding until he gets up to speed. His vision will make him look somewhat faster and he may be productive as a guy getting fed chances, so it isn’t a bad pick. But RB right now with possibly the least dynamic runner in the top 20 of the RB position group is a pedestrian pick with Savion Williams, Charles Grant, and others on the board. KJ is a security blanket pick for a team interested in getting to third down and Savion is a guy who’s going to get large chunks and score more touchdowns in a lot fewer touches than Johnson over the course of his career.

[SteelerDayTrader]

Im in wait and see mode

However

Imo the Steelers will break both Warren and Gainwell. Maybe not permanently but neither of those guys is gonna go 17+ games. And I don’t hate either one but they just aren’t gonna be available all the time in Pittsburgh.

Johnson reminds me of Steelers backup RB Gary Russell. Not knocking either but that’s how he looks running to me. At the time I remember thinking the Steelers weren’t using Russell enough.

Johnson is a fatback in every sense. I don’t think he will be effective outside the tackles in the NFL. Just doesn’t look quick enough at the snap to challenge NFL LBs outside imo. If he’s gonna be a force it will be inside. I’m a Zach Frazier hater. He’s small but fat and weak so he has that going for him. The rest of the Steelers OL hasn’t performed much better. I’m not hopeful they are going to improve much. Bad coaching. Worse self motivation

You wanna know early if the Steelers are committed to winning ?? If they dont add another very capable RB you can just add it to the ever growing list of wasted seasons before they even hit Latrobe

I don’t hate the Johnson pick. I could easily grow to love it. If. The Steelers fully commit to using and protecting him and others over the entirety of an NFL season. I don’t think the Steelers can do that with just Johnson Gainwell and Warren

[Thrillsseeker]

Best thing about the pick: if you liked the Najee-Warren partnership, you'll dig this one. And then Gainwell will play 3rd downs and the 2 min offense.

Oh, well I guess I forgot that was actually a semi-late R3 pick. I suppose Najee isn't bad there to get a solid #2 to Warren.

Oh, don't be fooled. Johnson is gonna be the starter, sooner rather than later.

This.

Warren has been a great #2. He will still be the #2 as he should be. His wheels would fall off if he was #1. I love the Gainwell add.

[Charles Demarr]

The RB room is better with this year with Johnson and Gainwell.

If you're unhappy with this pick in the late 3rd, have a drink or whatever it is you do to relax.

[Professor Half Wit]

I don't see the Najee comparison really. Johnson is a much more instinctual and decisive runner. Najee thinks he's Barry Sanders and has some of the worst vision and natural instincts as a runner at the NFL level I've seen. I don't think Steelers fans appreciate how bad Najee really is and was.

I think Johnson is more Arian Foster. Or Joe Mixon with a little less juice but a pinch more ummph.

If this dude ends up doing what prime Mixon did, homerun.

[Professor Half Wit]

The RB room is better with this year with Johnson and Gainwell.

If you're unhappy with this pick in the late 3rd, have a drink or whatever it is you do to relax.

Pretty sure some people complain to relax when at leisure.

[Steelafan77]

Disappointed in both the player and position selected

Scheme fit and the pundits seem to like Kaleb Johnson so I won’t lose sleep over it but man I don’t see any moves or explosion

The OL and DL is getting depleted while the run on RBs hasn’t even started yet

I would’ve went highest graded player on either line.

Will be plenty of quality RBs on the board tomorrow

Oh well

High floor draft so far

Deuce said Rodgers wants to be here so if he signs I think with Metcalf and Johnson additions the offense might be watchable

This is where I’m at. There were definitely BPA types and they selected for perceived need instead.

The loss of the 2nd RND for an expensive WR really came back to haunt them here.

I’m hopeful Metcalf out plays the cost to get him sooner than later.

Had they traded out of pick 21 back and picked up more draft capital this wouldn’t seem so depressing at this point.

Watching the Browns, Raiders and Bears making their hauls just adds to the disappointment.