Pittsburgh Steelers rookie RB Kaleb Johnson had simply 29 receptions over three seasons at Iowa, however he doesn’t suppose he must be written off as a receiver. Talking to the media earlier than coaching camp apply on Saturday, Johnson mentioned he believes he could make an influence as a receiver out of the backfield.
“I really feel like my hidden a part of my recreation was my pace and catching potential. And I really feel like I can actually contribute to catching potential…I really feel like [Aaron Rodgers] and simply all of the quarterbacks, I really feel like they belief me now and belief that I could make good performs from a move perspective,” Johnson mentioned by way of video by Put up-Gazette Sports activities on YouTube.
22 of Johnson’s 29 receptions got here final season, and Tim Lester, his offensive coordinator final season, mentioned he feels Johnson is “very succesful” of being a receiving menace within the NFL. He averaged 8.5 yards per reception final season, ending with 188 yards, and if he proves he can contribute as a receiver on the NFL degree, he may take over as a function again for Pittsburgh.
With the Steelers, Johnson could not get numerous third-down appears to be like, although, because the staff has two expert pass-catching backs who’re additionally higher move blockers in Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell. Working with these two may also help Johnson enhance on each of these points. He can nonetheless exhibit his pass-catching chops on early downs.
Johnson’s greatest spotlight final season got here off a bubble display out of the backfield in opposition to Nebraska, going 72 yards for a rating. His potential to function in area and run by way of defenders may gain advantage him as a receiver.
Iowa RB Kaleb Johnson: 6-foot, 225 kilos
Will make his cash as an elite slot in a zone working scheme: affected person, decisive, performs with nice imaginative and prescient
But in addition an actual issue within the passing recreation
This 2025 RB class is loaded past phrases pic.twitter.com/VG7X8dcAne
— Subject Yates (@FieldYates) January 23, 2025
Alongside along with his pass-catching potential, Johnson additionally mentioned he believes his pace is a hidden a part of his recreation. Whereas he solely ran a 4.56 40-yard sprint on the NFL Mix, his explosiveness is certainly one of his greatest traits, and it’s one of many explanation why the Steelers drafted him.
His burst has been on full show early on in coaching camp, and he has the potential to make an influence for Pittsburgh’s offense. If he can present that he may also help out within the passing recreation as effectively, he has an opportunity to be an actual steal within the third spherical and somebody who is usually a dynamic weapon for the Steelers for years to return.
