Kaleb Johnson Fantasy Overview

2024 Summary

College Production

Johnson broke out in his final year at Iowa, rushing 240 times for 1,537 yards (6.4 YPC) and 21 TDs over 12 games.

He also added 22 receptions for 188 yards and two TDs, rounding out a dominant workhorse season.

After a sophomore slump in 2023, Johnson rebounded with a top-tier production profile as a lead back.

Usage & Role

In 2024, Johnson handled 63.9% of Iowa’s rushing yards and saw a career-high 25 targets, proving capable as a true three-down back.

He ran routes on 11.9% of team pass plays, lined up outside or in the slot on 5.9% of snaps, and boasted a 10.5% target share, fifth among Combine RBs.

He was a bell cow in both short-yardage and base-down situations.

Efficiency Metrics

Johnson's 2024 advanced metrics showcase his potential:

• 4.42 yards after contact per attempt (4th among Combine RBs)
• 0.28 missed tackles forced per attempt (7th)
• 131.5 PFF Elusive Rating (6th)
• 11.7% breakaway rate (5th)
• 1.2 rush yards over expected (3rd)

In the receiving game, he earned a 65.3 PFF receiving grade and averaged 1.29 yards per route. Both marks were average among Combine RBs, showing that he may cede that work to another back in the NFL.

Injury History

Johnson suffered an ankle injury in 2023 that caused him to miss three games and hindered his play throughout the season.

He stayed healthy in 2024 and enters the NFL with no injury concerns.

2025 Expectations

Projected Role & Competition

Drafted in the third round (pick 83), Johnson will compete for a role with veteran RB Jaylen Warren.

Johnson likely profiles in the Najee Harris role as a between the tackles runner, which fits OC Arthur Smith’s offense well.

Warren will likely handle most of the passing down work unless Johnson showcases the talent to take over a full three-down role.

The Steelers did sign veteran RB Kenneth Gainwell as well as journeymen Trey Sermon and Evan Hull. None of them should threaten Warren’s role.

Supporting Cast

Pittsburgh solidified the QB position by signing Aaron Rodgers in June. While no longer an elite passer, Rodgers will bring stability to Pittsburgh’s offense this season.

At WR, the Steelers swapped out George Pickens for D.K. Metcalf.

The Steelers return most of their starting OL from last season with OT Broderick Jones and interior OL Isaac Seumalo, Zach Frazier, and Mason McCormick. 2024 first round pick Troy Fautanu is expected to start at RT.

Last season, the Steelers ranked 18th in ESPN’s run-blocking success rate.

Coaching & Offensive Scheme

Arthur Smith’s offenses have historically emphasized the run, with pass rates often hovering around 50%.

Last season, the Steelers had a 50.7% pass rate overall, but it rose to 52.6% with Russell Wilson at QB (which ranked 27th in the league).

Smith does like to play a bit more uptempo than expected with 64.1 plays per game last season, ranking 11th fastest.

More passing may favor Warren over Johnson, but that would require the Steelers defense to take a step back.