Pittsburgh Steelers' rookie with the chance to make the biggest impact in year one is likely to start his season on the bench

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Rob Gregson | Last updated Jul 14, 2025 10:43 AM ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Derrick Harmon in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft to be the future of their defensive line.

But for a team that is all in on on 2025, they need instant impact players.

You would assume those players, even if they are rookies, are slated to be starters heading into camp right? Not with Kaleb Johnson...

Why Kaleb Johnson can have the biggest impact of all rookies in 2025

To make an impact in the game of football, you typically need to be on the field alot. You know, be a starter. So, how is it that I believe Kaleb Johnson can be the most impactful rookie on the team if he is likely to start behind Jaylen Warren, let me explain....

For one, Warren is the starter, for now. Mike Tomlin hasn't had a sub-5-11 starting RB heading into a season since before Rashard Mendenhall. Warren is on a one-year tender and is best served as a change of pace back. It's a matter of when, not if Johnson is named starter.

And when he is, I expect he and the Steelers offense to excel.

What makes Kaleb Johnson special:

•6-foot, 225 pounds — built to handle a full workload

•Patient, Decisive, Great vision

•Real weapon in the passing game

NFL comparison: A young Alvin Kamara with more size.#NFL #Steelers
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— The Standard (@TheStandard412) July 9, 2025

Why? Well, it sounds hyperbolic, but the Steelers probably got the best RB fit in the draft in the third round. Not the best back, the best fit. A smooth and patient runner who is built for wide zone run schemes, he can be the queen on Arthur Smith's chess board.

An instinctive runner with buttery hips, light feet, pass protection and catching abilities, sure you wish he was a little faster or more explosive, bur Arthur Smith believes he can get Johnson a runway and that's all he needs.

"A really explosive running back that we spent some time with on a 30 visit here," said Arthur Smith after the team drafted Johnson. "One of the more instinctive backs I've watched in a couple years coming out of the draft. Perfect fit. Regardless of whatever run scheme you're running, he ran multiple at Iowa. Really impressive as a volume runner. As the game went on, I think one of the more impressive stats you've seen, what he averaged in the fourth quarter, I believe it was over five yards per carry. It might have been closer to six. We think he's a great culture fit."

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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