Johnson accounted for 58% of Iowa's offensive touchdowns in 2024. That is the highest rate of any RB drafted Round 3 or higher over the past 10 years. Opposing defenses knew exactly what was coming, Johnson was inevitable. He accounted for 40% of Iowa's offensive yards, second behind only Ashton Jeanty (42%). He did not run a fast 40 time, but Johnson repeatedly broke off explosive plays against Big 10 defenses. The explosive aspect of Pittsburgh's run game has been sorely lacking. Passing downs likely belong to Jaylen Warren, but Johnson might make some serious noise as the offensive engine on early downs in a perfect stylistic fit as part of Arthur Smith's outside zone rushing attack. Najee Harris saw no fewer than 250 rush attempts in four seasons as Pittsburgh's lead back, and Johnson could absorb most or all of his work and expand on the previously lacking efficiency. Johnson is worth targeting at the beginning of Round 6 and higher in non-PPR formats.
Fantasy Stats
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Fantasy Points per Game
2025
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2024
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2023
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3y Avg.
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Fantasy News
Steelers' Kaleb Johnson: Ends preseason on high note
Rotowire
Johnson took five carries for 24 yards and one catch for two yards in Thursday's 19-10 preseason win over the Panthers.
Johnson came in at the start of the third drive, after Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell were done playing (but before the first-string offensive linemen were removed). The rookie had gains of seven and eight yards on his carries behind the starting O-line, and he didn't play at all after halftime. It was a nice finish to the preseason, with back-to-back solid outings after struggling in Pittsburgh's opener, but Johnson won't necessarily have a large role come Week 1 against the Jets. That doesn't mean he won't be a key part of the offense as the season progresses, but there's risk of a three-man committee initially, with Warren presumably starting and Gainwell seemingly on track for at least a small role.
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Steelers' Kaleb Johnson: Little production in pro debut
Rotowire
Johnson rushed the ball eight times for 20 yards in Saturday's 31-25 preseason win over the Jaguars. He recorded one reception on two targets for six yards.
Jaylen Warren was rested for the game, giving Johnson the chance to work as Pittsburgh's lead back early into the third quarter. Johnson found running room hard to come by -- his longest gain on the ground went for seven yards -- but he was able to pick up tough yardage on a few occasions. His work both in pass protection and as a pass catcher remains in question, but it was a decent pro debut for Johnson.
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Steelers' Kaleb Johnson: Getting some first-team reps
Rotowire
Johnson was the second running back in with the first-team offense at Thursday's practice, after Jaylen Warren, Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
It's just one practice, but nonetheless a good sign that offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is preparing Johnson to replace Najee Harris. The Steelers don't have Cordarrelle Patterson (undisclosed) available at the start of training camp, leaving free-agent signings Kenneth Gainwell and Trey Sermon as the veterans for competing for backup roles. The Steelers hope Johnson will end up pushing Warren for more first-team snaps, rather than struggling during camp and worrying about Gainwell/Patterson/Sermon nipping at his heels.
