Kaleb Johnson

As the 2025 fantasy football season kicks off, Kaleb Johnson is emerging as a promising young talent. Drafted in the third round by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Johnson is expected to hold an immediate early-down role in the team's backfield. His impressive college career at Iowa, where he showcased power, size, and decisiveness on the field, suggests he has the potential to excel in short-yardage and goal-line situations. This is particularly valuable in fantasy football, where scoring opportunities close to the end zone are crucial.

Johnson's running style is characterized by patience and vision, making him a rhythm runner who can thrive in favorable blocking situations. Although he doesn't have the speed to be a major threat on long plays, his ability to consistently fall forward and push the pile is ideal for early-down work. His stock has seen some fluctuations during the preseason, currently ranking 23rd among running backs in fantasy rankings, with an ADP of around RB27. This places him in a good position for draft value, especially if he continues to develop his early-down role alongside Jaylen Warren.

Recent reports from Steelers training camp have been positive, with some even referring to Johnson as a "Walking TD." This suggests he is impressing coaches and teammates alike, which could lead to increased opportunities as the season progresses. However, it's worth noting that his role might not be as prominent from the start, given the depth chart currently features him behind Kenneth Gainwell and Jaylen Warren. Despite this, Johnson's potential for goal-line involvement makes him a compelling sleeper pick for fantasy owners looking to capitalize on his upside.

For fantasy owners considering drafting Johnson, it's essential to understand that his immediate impact may be limited by his current position on the depth chart. However, his long-term potential and goal-line upside make him an attractive choice for those willing to wait for his role to evolve. With the Steelers facing a relatively manageable strength of schedule early in the season, Johnson could see opportunities to prove himself and grow into a more significant part of the offense. Overall, Kaleb Johnson is definitely a name to keep an eye on as the season unfolds, especially if you're looking for a power back with high upside in short-yardage situations.

Updated 08/23/2025