Steelers Now
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.
“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.”
“(Jaylen) Warren, I’ve been on him every day about it, questioning him how to do this and how to do that, and making sure I get my technique down. … That’s my main thing right now.” — #Steelers RB Kaleb Johnson on pass protection
Cut-up below of Johnson’s Thursday at OTAs pic.twitter.com/UYKFcYD8uj
— Brendan Howe (@bybrendanhowe) May 29, 2025
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.”
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.
“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
