Early Mock Draft Urges Stunning Decision For Steelers Offense

The Pittsburgh Steelers got younger in the backfield during the offseason, adding Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson in the third round of the NFL Draft back in April. Johnson joins Jaylen Warren as the team's top anticipated ball carriers in what should be a run-heavy offense in the Steel City once again. 

In fact many of the reporters out of Pittsburgh through OTAs and minicamp have been glowingly positive with regard to Johnson. Given the physical limitations of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the Steelers will need a steady run game to ease his burden. 

But one early mock projection for the 2026 draft is predicting the Steelers to gloss over Johnson and add another ball-carrier very early. Ryan McCrystal of Sharp Analysis has the Steelers taking Penn State running back Nicholas Singleton in the top 15. 

"There is no Ashton Jeanty in next year's draft class, but the 220-pound Singleton might be close with his blend of size and speed. His 41 receptions last year also proved he could be a factor in the passing game."

Based on all the reviews of Johnson from Pittsburgh thus far, this seems awfully dismissive to a player who could have a major impact on the offense from the jump. But even in the scenario where Johnson has a letdown year, why would the Steelers use a first-round pick on a running back?

That's not to say Singleton will not be a talented prospect when the time comes. However, the Steelers' future in the backfield should be secure enough to hold off on those potential needs and address a more pressing position on the roster. 

Training camp and the preseason will provide the first samples of Johnson in action and the Steelers will get a true evaluation for their budding star. So for now, the focus rests on what Johnson provides and what him and Warren can accomplish this season.