Insider: Kaleb Johnson ‘Easing’ Pittsburgh’s ‘Concern’ Over Changing Najee Harris

Najee Harris didn’t reside as much as his first-round standing as a game-changing again, however he nonetheless posted 4 consecutive 1,000-yard dashing seasons. In response to one insider, the Pittsburgh Steelers had been anxious about instantly changing that manufacturing. However rookie Kaleb Johnson is already making them really feel higher about their resolution.

“There was a priority a couple of drop in manufacturing on the place after four-year veteran Jaylen Warren was elevated to the highest of the depth chart, however that concern is easing every day, as third-round choose Kaleb Johnson continues to impress,” Tony Pauline wrote by way of Sportskeeda after speaking to sources across the workforce.

Put up-Gazette insider Gerry Dulac reported that the Steelers don’t view Warren as a characteristic again. That explains why they prioritized the place within the 2025 NFL Draft, addressing it with their second choice.

Arthur Smith was fired as much as land Johnson in his press convention after the choose and instantly referred to as him a excellent match for his offensive system. The league let him slide to the center of the third spherical because the sixth RB off the board. His mediocre 40-yard sprint time in all probability didn’t assist. However the Steelers weren’t involved together with his testing numbers after witnessing his superior play velocity on tape.

“I’m advised it’s the Johnson we noticed on movie that’s impressed everybody in Steelers camp,” Pauline wrote. “Sources inform me the third-round choose seems official and is an ideal match for the Steelers’ offense, each bodily and mentally. Although he is probably not a starter Week 1, anticipate Johnson to get a variety of carries early within the season and ultimately transfer to the highest of the depth chart.”

Johnson was third on the first preseason depth chart behind each Warren and Kenneth Gainwell. There isn’t a cause to hurry him to the highest, and Gainwell is clearly extra of a change-of-pace receiving choice than a characteristic again.

Mike Tomlin not often praises rookies this early within the course of, however he famous early in camp that Johnson had a excessive flooring of play as a result of his degree of preparation.

RB coach Eddie Faulkner was visibly excited for Johnson throughout Friday’s backs-on-‘backers drill due to his fast enchancment in cross safety. That’s precisely the kind of factor that can assist construct belief in him from the teaching employees.

The hope is that Johnson can’t solely substitute Harris’ manufacturing, however ultimately far exceed it.