Pittsburgh Steelers third-round rookie Kaleb Johnson has garnered loads of buzz early on within the offseason. A great scheme match for Arthur Smith’s offense, Johnson has impressed in necessary minicamp and OTAs, and even with Jaylen Warren anticipated to guide Pittsburgh’s backfield, Johnson might play a task early within the season. Sports activities Illustrated’s Gilberto Manzano believes that Johnson goes to be Pittsburgh’s X-factor this season, and his function could possibly be essential to serving to Aaron Rodgers thrive in Pittsburgh.
“How the Steelers’ offense takes form in 2025 may hinge on Johnson’s growth. If the rookie third-round decide makes a direct influence, that might permit the younger offensive line to ascertain a rhythm early in video games and take stress off Rodgers, who struggled with mobility final season with the New York Jets,” Manzano wrote.
He additionally added that Pittsburgh’s receiver depth behind DK Metcalf could result in the Steelers counting on Johnson extra closely.
It could be shocking if Jaylen Warren didn’t get the primary crack on the beginning operating again job to start the season, however the Steelers might nonetheless make the most of Johnson, significantly on early downs. A robust displaying from the run recreation might give Pittsburgh’s offensive line some confidence early within the season and assist them in move safety as properly, which goes to be a key for the Steelers.
Aaron Rodgers has the flexibility to get the ball out fast, however his mobility was a problem final season coming off a torn Achilles. One other yr faraway from the damage ought to make Rodgers extra cell, however he’s nonetheless 41 years outdated. Having somebody like Johnson in a position to assist carry the run recreation might do wonders for Pittsburgh’s offense.
Rodgers could possibly be at his greatest if the Steelers don’t ask an excessive amount of from him. Jerome Bettis thinks that’s the trail ahead for the Steelers to have success, and having two and even three operating backs able to making an influence is a good way to cut back what Rodgers has to do. It’s a motive why the group could possibly be extra apt to make use of Johnson early within the season together with Warren.
At his core, Arthur Smith continues to be a coordinator who likes to run the soccer, however the Steelers made investments in each Rodgers and DK Metcalf this offseason. They’re going to want to assault via the air, however with the ability to set up the run early on might make their passing recreation extra deadly. Kaleb Johnson shall be a giant a part of the success if the speeding assault can actually get going, and whilst a rookie, he could possibly be an important piece for Pittsburgh’s offense.
