Steelers Now
An NFL analyst thinks one of the Steelers rookies could determine if quarterback Aaron Rodgers is successful in Pittsburgh.
There are a lot of factors that could play a role in if quarterback Aaron Rodgers has a successful season with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025. But Sports Illustrated analyst Gilberto Manzano believes one of the Steelers rookies could have the biggest impact on Rodgers.
“How the Steelers offense takes shape in 2025 might hinge on [Kaleb] Johnson’s development,” Manzano writes. “If the rookie third-round pick makes an immediate impact, that would allow the young offensive line to establish a rhythm early in games and take pressure off Rodgers, who struggled with mobility last season with the New York Jets.”
Pittsburgh selected Johnson in the third round (No. 83 overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft to help replace the production of running back Najee Harris, who joined the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency.
The 21-year-old is coming off a breakout season. In 2024, he rushed for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns while averaging 6.4 yards per carry at Iowa. He also recorded 22 catches for 188 yards and two more scores.
If Johnson can translate his play to the next level, like many believe he will, the Steelers will be able to rely on their run game instead of 41-year-old Rodgers.
Rodgers is now two years removed from the season-ending Achilles injury he suffered at the start of the 2023 season. However, he was clearly not the same player last season while leading the Jets to a 5-12 finish, and his mobility will likely never be the same.
Pittsburgh’s success on the ground won’t be fully on the shoulders of Johnson, though. The Steelers are also very high on fourth-year running back Jaylen Warren, who has served as the 1B to Harris’ 1A to start his career.
Warren will likely get the first nod at being the team’s starter, which will allow Johnson to develop. But the sooner Johnson can get on the field to make an impact, the sooner the Steelers can take some pressure off Rodgers.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Analyst Thinks Steelers Rookie Will Have Major Impact on Aaron Rodgers’ Success
