📄: Third Round: Kaleb Johnson | 📺: Smith on Johnson | 📸: Kaleb Johnson in pictures | 📺: Pick Announcement | 📃: How Johnson fits with the Steelers | 📺: Tomlin calls Johnson | 📃: What to like about Johnson | 📺: Welcome to Pittsburgh

The Steelers selected Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the 83rd overall pick.

Johnson said it was quite the moment when he saw the call come in from the Steelers.

"My heart dropped. My heart sunk," said Johnson. "I had been waiting all day. It was a dream for me and my family. It's an unreal feeling. I can't explain it. I am more than excited now. I am blessed.

"I feel like God put it in his hands. I am a Steeler now. I am ready to work."

Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is equally excited to get to work with Johnson, a player he thinks is a good fit for the team in multiple fashions.

"Excited about getting Kaleb Johnson in here," said Smith. "Really explosive running back that we spent some time with on a 30 visit here. One of the more instinctive backs that I've watched in a couple of 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, and one of the more impressive stats you've seen is the fourth quarter -- what he averaged in the fourth quarter. I believe it was over five yards per carry. Might have been closer to six.

"We think he's a great culture fit. Obviously extremely fired up to get Kaleb in here."

Johnson did meet with the Steelers during a pre-draft visit at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex and felt a comfort level with the team from the get-go.

"It was great from the jump," said Johnson. "As soon as I came in, they welcomed me. Me and (running backs) Coach (Eddie) Faulkner, we talked heart-to-heart. Me and him know what we need to do now to come out on top. I am going to give them my all.

"Mike Tomlin in general, he told me he likes me as a player, and he wants me to come. I told him let's do it. It was all in God's hands. That's all I can say."

Johnson appeared in 35 games, starting 22, for the Hawkeyes. He carried the ball 508 times for 2,779 yards and 30 touchdowns for his career. Johnson also had 29 receptions for 240 yards and two touchdowns.

Johnson said he is ready for whatever workload comes his way in the Steelers offense and is prepared to get started.

"I feel like in general, the relationship with the players, learning from Coach Faulkner," said Johnson. "Me and Jaylen Warren, we are going to be good together.

"I can't wait to work. I am excited right now."

Johnson became the 17th player in school history to rush for over 2,000 yards and was the 51st player in school history to rush for over 1,000 career yards. He also became the fifth player in Iowa history to record two 200-plus yard rushing games.

In addition, he has 12 100-plus yard rushing games, which ranks sixth in school history.

In 2024, he appeared in 12 games, starting 11, and had 240 carries for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns, all career highs.

2024 Honors

Football Writers Association of America First-Team All-American
Phil Steele First-Team All-American
Sporting News First-Team All-American
Walter Camp First-Team All-American
Associated Press Second-Team All-American
American Football Coaches Association Second-Team All-American
Ameche-Dayne Big Ten Running Back of the Year
First-Team All-Big Ten (coaches; media)
Unanimous selection Associated Press First-Team All-Big Ten
Phil Steele First-Team All-Big Ten
Doak Walker Award finalist
Maxwell and Walter Camp Award semifinalist
AP, CBS Sports, Sporting News, The Athletic Midseason All-America
Big Ten Co-Offensive Player of the Week and Doak Walker National Running Back of the Week for his performance at Minnesota
Senior Bowl Co-Offensive National Player of the Week for his performance vs. Washington
Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week for his performance vs. Wisconsin
Roy Carver MVP, offense
Iowa September Male Athlete of the Month