Jerome Bettis plants his flag when discussing the distribution of reps between Steelers' Jaylen Warren and rookie Kaleb Johnson

Jerome Bettis thinks Kaleb Johnson can be special

“I think they’ve (Pittsburgh Steelers) got two running backs that actually can complement each other, that’ll create an opportunity. The biggest component to all of this is the offensive line. Can the offensive line create that opportunity in the running game but also help in the passing game," asked Bettis on the Jim Rome Show . . . 

". . . I think Jaylen Warren is a really good running back. He’ll get more opportunities, more carries. He’ll show what he’s capable of. But Kaleb Johnson, a young running back they drafted out of Iowa, I really believe he’s got a chance to be special.”

It's no secret that Kaleb Johnson is the Pittsburgh Steelers' kind of running back. Not only traditionally given his size at over 6-0 and 200 pounds, but in the here and now given his familiarity with Arthur Smith's outside zone running scheme. 

Smith raved over Johnson after he was drafted and it's clear when watching how silky smooth Johnson is that he is an ideal fit for what the Steelers want to deploy in their ground game. 

I'm not sure if he's the next Le'Veon Bell, but if he lives up to his potential, he is a walking six points a game in the Pittsburgh Steelers' current offense. Maybe he's not the fastest or the most explosive, but his fluidity, brawn, and movement skills make up for it. 

And pretty soon, he could be making his way into the starting lineup.