This previous weekend, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2025 rookie class bought their first style of NFL motion. Whereas it was solely the preseason, it was a great alternative for them to get some expertise in opposition to a special group. Towards the Jacksonville Jaguars, a number of the Steelers’ rookies flashed. Others, like Kaleb Johnson, had more durable outings. Mike Tomlin not too long ago shared his opinion on Pittsburgh’s rookies, and Johnson particularly.
“I assumed all of them had their moments, however I additionally thought there was room for progress,” Tomlin mentioned Monday by way of the group’s web site. “I do know that was a dialog that I had with Kaleb [Johnson] in-game. For me and him particularly, I’m speaking quite a bit about not evaluating the efficiency whilst you’re residing it. We play on Saturday; we consider on Sunday and Monday.
“So, it was a great dialog. He’s a conscientious younger man; he desires to be nice. He’s working his tail off, and I’d think about he’s gonna be a kind of ones that takes a major step between recreation one and recreation two.”
Within the Steelers’ first preseason recreation, Johnson recorded eight carries for 20 yards, alongside one catch for six yards. He wasn’t as impactful as he was most likely hoping to be. Not all of that’s his fault, with the Steelers’ offensive line not giving him too many lanes to run in. Nonetheless, that probably doesn’t reduce any of his potential frustrations.
Tomlin gave Johnson good recommendation, too. It’s necessary for NFL gamers to not get in their very own heads throughout video games in the event that they aren’t having nice performances. There are 4 quarters, and any participant has the potential to interrupt out at any time.
Johnson’s efficiency wasn’t all dangerous, both. He confirmed flashes of his energy and burst. Whereas he doesn’t have lightning pace, Johnson might be robust to convey down when he will get into open house.
The Steelers’ second preseason recreation is available in a number of days, and they’ll face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tomlin expects a greater outing from Johnson in that matchup, and we’ll see if the younger working again can ship. Writing Johnson off after a preseason recreation is a extreme overreaction. He can quiet a number of the dialogue round him with a greater exhibiting this week.
