Steelers rookie Kaleb Johnson is the first third-string RB to the 2025 depth chart
In 2024, the Pittsburgh Steelers ended with a record of 10-7. That was enough to make the Overseas Card weekend, but the Steelers lost 28-14 to the Ravens.
Last season, Najee Harris was Pittsburgh’s main RB. He led the team with 263 carrys and 1,043 yards. Harris has 143 more carry than backup Jaylen Warren. During the offseason, the Steelers did not re-sign Harris. In the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Steelers chose RB Kaleb Johnson from Iowa. In the team’s first official depth chart, Johnson was listed as the third string RB.
Pittsburgh’s starter RB job won’t be handed over to Kaleb Johnson
Kaleb Johnson RB 3👀
– Footballman (@bestballgenius) August 5, 2025
It’s no secret that the Pittsburgh Steelers value rookie RB Kaleb Johnson. The 21-year-old fits the physical outline of every RB in the NFL. He is six feet tall and 225 pounds. In his final season at Iowa, Kaleb Johnson rushed to a career-high 1,537 yards and 21 rushes. In 2024, he was named the second team in the United States by the Associated Press. Rookie Kaleb Johnson has the potential to enter the league and be successful immediately.
But as the 2025 season approaches, Pittsburgh will handle this in a “steeler’s way.” Kaleb Johnson won’t hand the starter job. Jaylen Warren is listed as the team’s first official depth map starter. Kenneth Gainwell is the backup. This makes rookie Kaleb Johnson RB3. This is not a problem for those who know how Steelers work.
In the depth map of the original Steelers, Tomlin is Tomlin. Kaleb Johnson isn’t even second, sitting behind Warren & Gainwell (I think it’s a long time).
— Trey Carney (@CarneyMedia) August 5, 2025
Jaylen Warren has been a backup for every season of the past three seasons. The 26-year-old has never played for the Steelers. Warren has played at least 15 games in his three professional seasons. Meet head coach Mike Tomlin, who may start the season with Jaylen Warren. That doesn’t mean Kalen Johnson won’t see his share of action.
Kaleb Johnson ranked third, ahead of two experienced RBs. The rookie will win the starting job with the Steelers will require hard work and ongoing success. Throughout the camp, Johnson played in the first team with Pittsburgh. As we all know, Steelers OC Arthur Smith loves to run football. Kaleb Johnson proves that he can be the main RB at the university and is waiting to prove it in the NFL. Sometime in 2025, Johnson should take over as the Steelers RB.
