Why Steelers Rookie Runing Back Separates Himself From NFL Veterans

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson has the right attitude for a rookie.

Johnson, the team’s third-round selection (83rd overall) in this year’s NFL draft, feels prepared for whatever NFL competition will throw at him this upcoming season. In fact, the 21-year-old claims he’s more prepared than some seasoned veteran running backs across the league, referencing a few well-established names during an exclusive 1-on-1 team-conducted interview.

“I feel like I’m a versatile back,” Johnson said. “I can be a Derrick Henry back or I can be a Dalvin Cook back. I feel like that’s what separates me from a lot of backs in the league and in this class that I came into, because, overall, I feel like I’m a fast back and I can be a strong back. Also, catch the ball out of the backfield and be reliable.”

The Iowa product tallied 1,537 rushing yards with 21 touchdowns while catching 22 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns across his final collegiate campaign. That was impressive enough, however, if Johnson’s first professional season is at all what he projects it’ll become, the Steelers would have themselves a major Najee Harris upgrade.

Johnson also claims he’s ready to embrace the physical nature of the AFC North.

“I feel like (the division) relates to the Big 10 and what I played in,” Johnson said. “So I feel like I’m really used to the smashmouth, you know, running the ball, and I’m just really excited to get to work and really excited to be part of the organization.”

Pittsburgh, currently nine years removed from its last playoff victory, should provide Johnson with an outlet to grow and flourish for years to come.

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