IOWA CITY, Iowa-- One of the bigger steals in the 2025 NFL Draft might be Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson. The record-setting runner was taken in the third round by the Pittsburgh Steelers and he'll have every opportunity to become a significant part of that offense.
Johnson's ascension wasn't tough to predict. After healing from an injury suffered during his sophomore year, he really started to piece together his overall game. His patience and knowledge began to match pace with his strength and speed.
Pittsburgh's offense makes a lot of sense for Johnson. He's able to carry a heavy workload and they've had a consistent success running the football. The former Hawkeye back has a wide-variety of skills that will translate over to the NFL level. When Pittsburgh saw that he was still available in the third round, they jumped at the chance to take him.
"(We are) excited about getting Kaleb Johnson in here," Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith said."Really explosive running back that we spent some time with. One of the more instinctive backs that I've watched in a couple of years coming out of the draft. (He's a) perfect fit regardless of whatever run scheme you're running. He ran multiple (schemes) at Iowa. Really impressive as a volume runner as the game went on, and one of the more impressive stats you've seen in the fourth quarter -- what he averaged in the fourth quarter. I believe it was over 5 yards per carry. Might have been closer to 6. We think he's a great culture fit. Obviously extremely fired up to get Kaleb in here."
Prior to Championship weekend, Johnson ranked fourth in the country with 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns on 240 carries. He scored a team-record 23 touchdowns -- 21 rushing, 2 receiving -- and scored at least one touchdown in all 12 regular-season games, which has never happened in Hawkeye history.
"The most important ingredient of everything is Kaleb is a quality guy who wants to be a really good football player," Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz said of Johnson. "And he has demonstrated that week in and week out. His consistency and performance has been great. You guys don't get to see him during the week. He is upbeat, positive."
Johnson helped revitalize a Hawkeye offense that desperately needed a spark. He delivered in the biggest moments and provided some of the more impressive individual plays that you'll see from a Hawkeye. As the page turns for the former Hawkeye, he believes that he's in a good situation that will allow him to maximize his talent and put his stamp on the NFL map.
"I love it here," Johnson said at the Steelers' rookie minicamp. "I can't wait to get to play on Sundays with these guys, and just overall compete. That's the main thing right now - compete, learn the playbook, and get ready for Sunday."
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