Steelers Now
One of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ newest additions has already caught the attention of head coach Mike Tomlin.
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ first week of training camp is in the books and one of their rookies has already caught the attention of head coach Mike Tomlin.
Tomlin couldn’t help but praise running back Kaleb Johnson, the Steelers’ third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, after the first few practices in Latrobe.
“He’s highly conditioned, and that helps development,” Tomlin said. “When you’re in really good shape, you can take additional reps, and reps equals the get better. He handled the first leg of it. He’s in really good shape. He’s really engaged, and obviously he’s got some talent.”
Veteran running back Jaylen Warren will likely start the season as Pittsburgh’s starter, but if Johnson continues stacking impressive practices, it will be difficult to keep him off the field.
The 21-year-old is also 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.
Tomlin acknowledged Johnson can be a special player at the next level but noted he still has a long way to go to get there.
“He’s a willing worker, but you know, he needs to improve in all areas,” Tomlin added. “All young people do. We’ve yet to play in pads, and obviously, regarding his position, that’s a major component. So, it’s an incomplete body of work, but it’s an incomplete body of work for all of us at this juncture.”
Johnson should continue to show out even when the pads come on as a bigger back, standing at 6-foot-1, 224 pounds. He also put his speed on display last season when he reached 22 miles per hour per GPS measurements on field, which has only been done by a handful of NFL players.
It looks like the Steelers may have found themselves a gem in this year’s draft.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers Rookie Draws Early Praise From Mike Tomlin
