Derrick Harmon has each likelihood to make an impression because the group’s first-round decide, but it surely is likely to be their second choice who finally ends up having probably the most profound impact this season. RB Kaleb Johnson was drafted as a “excellent match” to Arthur Smith’s offense, and the hype has solely continued to construct by spring practices and early coaching camp.
Pittsburgh Submit-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo revealed a few of the conversations he’s had at coaching camp in regards to the rookie operating again.
“He’s the one man the place you simply speak to individuals across the group up at apply; nearly to a person, they’re enthusiastic about this man,” Fittipaldo stated through 93.7 The Fan’s Morning Present. “Everybody in that constructing is hopeful that Kaleb Johnson is that kind of man. Bought him within the third spherical, however there’s loads of expectations that he might be their so-called bell-cow man for the following few years.”
Jaylen Warren is getting the preliminary first-team reps, and that would proceed into the beginning of the season, however there appears to be a rising sense that it received’t be lengthy earlier than Johnson takes a bigger position.
Mike Tomlin not often praises any participant this time of yr—actually not a rookie—however he couldn’t assist himself when it got here to Johnson and the way ready he was coming into his rookie coaching camp. Tomlin pointed to his degree of conditioning and acknowledged a excessive flooring of play for the rookie.
It seems Johnson ready like a veteran and educated in 110-degree Arizona warmth to prepare for the grind of coaching camp in July. And it’s an excellent factor he did that as a result of it’s been a scorcher in Latrobe. Extra conditioning means much less breaks and fewer breaks means extra reps and a faster studying curve.
His greatest take a look at will come now that the pads are on and the protection can begin to deal with him to the bottom. How will his physique maintain up with NFL defenders hitting him? Extra importantly, how does he do in go safety, which has been his greatest focus since getting drafted? If Johnson passes each of these assessments with flying colours, it is going to be laborious to justify preserving him out of the beginning lineup.
