Kaleb Johnson
2025 Season Outlooks
Johnson was selected by Pittsburgh in the third round of April's draft. He isn't super-fast (4.57 40-yard dash) or quick (1.62 10-yard split), which limited his output at Iowa (only 34% of runs went for 5-plus yards), but he's one of the biggest backs in this class. He's seemingly a capable receiver, but didn't do it much in college (38 targets) and needs work as a pass blocker, so his fantasy ceiling might be a bit limited. That's especially the case with Jaylen Warren positioned to handle about one-third of the carries and most of the passing-down work. Johnson may eventually emerge as the de facto Najee Harris replacement in run-heavy Pittsburgh, so he's well worth a midround flier, but don't be surprised if he gets off to a slow start.
Johnson ranks among the top 25 fastest running backs in the FBS from the last eight seasons, according to PFF’s tracking data, despite a below-average 4.57-second 40-yard dash at the combine.
The good news for Johnson is that offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is the most run-heavy coordinator in the league. Smith’s run rate over expected the last three seasons has been 13.0%, 7.9% and 6.2%.
Johnson is unlikely to play in many passing situations after averaging 6.9 receiving yards per game over the last three seasons, and joining the Steelers, who have one of the best receiving backs in Jaylen Warren.
2025 Fantasy Football Rankings
Standard
#76
PPR
#85
Half-PPR
#79
Superflex
#97
2025 Fantasy Football Draft Projections
| Rush Yds | Rush TD | Rec | Rec Yds | Rec TD | 884.3 | 7.1 | 20.2 | 154.8 | 1.1 |
|---|
2025 Average Draft Position (ADP)
Standard
#75
Pick 7.03
PPR
#74
Pick 7.02
Half-PPR
#73
Pick 7.01
Superflex
#86
Pick 8.02
Strength of Schedule
| 1 | ![]() |
|
| 2 | ![]() |
|
| 3 | ![]() |
|
| 4 | ![]() |
|
| 6 | ![]() |
|
| 7 | ![]() |
|
| 8 | ![]() |
|
| 9 | ![]() |
|
| 10 | ![]() |
|
| 11 | ![]() |
|
| 12 | ![]() |
|
| 13 | ![]() |
|
| 14 | ![]() |
|
| Fantasy Playoffs | ||
| 15 | ![]() |
|
| 16 | ![]() |
|
| 17 | ![]() |
|
| 18 | ![]() |
|















