Kaleb Johnson - Fantasy Points Outlook

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Dynasty

RB20

2025 Projections

Rush Yds	Rush TDs	Rec	Rec Yds	Rec TDs	Fantasy Pts
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DS 3D Projection

Kaleb Johnson's Preseason Player Analysis

2024 Summary

College Production

Johnson broke out in his final year at Iowa, rushing 240 times for 1,537 yards (6.4 YPC) and 21 TDs over 12 games.

He also added 22 receptions for 188 yards and two TDs, rounding out a dominant workhorse season.

After a sophomore slump in 2023, Johnson rebounded with a top-tier production profile as a lead back.

Usage & Role

In 2024, Johnson handled 63.9% of Iowa’s rushing yards and saw a career-high 25 targets, proving capable as a true three-down back.

He ran routes on 11.9% of team pass plays, lined up outside or in the slot on 5.9% of snaps, and boasted a 10.5% target share, fifth among Combine RBs.

He was a bell cow in both short-yardage and base-down situations.

Efficiency Metrics

Johnson's 2024 advanced metrics showcase his potential:

4.42 yards after contact per attempt (4th among Combine RBs)
0.28 missed tackles forced per attempt (7th)
131.5 PFF Elusive Rating (6th)
11.7% breakaway rate (5th)
1.2 rush yards over expected (3rd)

In the receiving game, he earned a 65.3 PFF receiving grade and averaged 1.29 yards per route. Both marks were average among Combine RBs, showing that he may cede that work to another back in the NFL.

Injury History

Johnson suffered an ankle injury in 2023 that caused him to miss three games and hindered his play throughout the season.

He stayed healthy in 2024 and enters the NFL with no injury concerns.

2025 Expectations

Projected Role & Competition

Drafted in the third round (pick 83), Johnson will compete for a role with veteran RB Jaylen Warren.

Johnson likely profiles in the Najee Harris role as a between the tackles runner, which fits OC Arthur Smith’s offense well.

Warren will likely handle most of the passing down work unless Johnson showcases the talent to take over a full three-down role.

The Steelers did sign veteran RB Kenneth Gainwell as well as journeymen Trey Sermon and Evan Hull. None of them should threaten Warren’s role.

Supporting Cast

Pittsburgh solidified the QB position by signing Aaron Rodgers in June. While no longer an elite passer, Rodgers will bring stability to Pittsburgh’s offense this season.

At WR, the Steelers swapped out George Pickens for D.K. Metcalf.

The Steelers return most of their starting OL from last season with OT Broderick Jones and interior OL Isaac Seumalo, Zach Frazier, and Mason McCormick. 2024 first round pick Troy Fautanu is expected to start at RT.

Last season, the Steelers ranked 18th in ESPN’s run-blocking success rate.

Coaching & Offensive Scheme

Arthur Smith’s offenses have historically emphasized the run, with pass rates often hovering around 50%.

Last season, the Steelers had a 50.7% pass rate overall, but it rose to 52.6% with Russell Wilson at QB (which ranked 27th in the league).

Smith does like to play a bit more uptempo than expected with 64.1 plays per game last season, ranking 11th fastest.

More passing may favor Warren over Johnson, but that would require the Steelers defense to take a step back.

Advanced Stats

2025 Dynasty Rookie Rankings: Top RBs, Breakout WRs & Hidden Gems

4:22pm UTC 5/28/25

The 2025 rookie class is loaded with RB talent, sprinkled with high-upside WRs and TEs. Whether you're gunning for Ashton Jeanty or hunting for sleepers, we've got you covered with full rankings.

Dynasty Rookie Draft Pick Tiers 2025

8:35pm UTC 5/5/25

Draft picks aren’t just currency—they’re leverage. We’ll show you where to find the tipping points in this rookie class and how to cash in by trading up and down in your rookie draft.

Shark Bites

The Steelers selected Iowa RB Kaleb Johnson in Round 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft. Johnson led Iowa in rushing as a true freshman in 2022, showing his grinding skills between the tackles. He ran 151 times for 779 yards and six TDs. After an ankle injury slowed him down in 2023, he enjoyed an exceptional year in 2024 on a struggling Iowa offense. His great vision and contact balance led to 240 rushes for 1,537 yards and 21 TDs on the ground. Johnson is the typical Hawkeye RB, consistently churning his feet to pick up additional yardage. He also leads the class in rush yards over expected per attempt for his career, picking up an additional yard per rush over expected. Johnson could eventually become a three-down NFL back if he can develop as a pass catcher. He’s simply not a burner, and that predictably showed up at the NFL Combine with his 4.57 forty time.

View Full Story »

On a day where so many RBs exceeded expectations, former Iowa Hawkeye RB Kaleb Johnson just did as expected. He ran a 4.57 40-yard dash at 224 pounds. He also tied for the worst 10-yard split of the day for a RB at 1.62. Despite the average 40-yard dash, Johnson is still expected to be a top-100 NFL Draft selection.

View Full Story »

Kaleb Johnson Fantasy Overview

Kaleb Johnson

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