RB Kaleb Johnson, PIT (7 Viewers)

[5-ish Finkle]

He reminds me of Raheem Mostert. He isn't quite as fast, but he gets what is blocked, doesn't break a lot of tackles and just runs the same way.

He was 13th in the country in forced missed tackles and behind only Jeanty in yards after contact per attempt.

And that was with defenses keying him. Observers need to remember how little Iowa threw the ball.

He isnt someone I expect to be Derrick Henry, that's kind of nuts, but to gig him for not being able to "create his own yards" feels kinda weird if you've seen even a couple of his games. That's sort of his gimmick...he just doesnt put his head into a dude's chest when he can sidestep/juke/bounce off instead.

I sort of hate when scouts try and shoehoen "comps" onto players, but he really does run more like a Bell/Franco type runner (calm down. Im not saying he will be even half as good as either of those guys): bigger dudes, but they run like snaller dudes and have a knack for picking the right spots to attack on cutbacks/etc. They all have/had vision, basically.

Brings to mind the story about what Paterno told scouts about Mitchell/Harris in that draft cycle. "If I tell Lydell Mitchell to do it, he'll run through a brick wall without hesitation. If I tell Franco? He will run at the wall while checking for soft spots, then go punish the soft spot."

Steelers OL/scheme will determine Johnson ultimate fate, but if theyre sticking with the wdie zone (or leaning in to it even more, as some intimate) Johnson fits that incredibly. He could still totally tank, but the philosophy vs. fit for his slillset couldn't be a whole lot better.

I could be off on the Mostert thing because I didn't see a lot of him in college, but I did watch a lot of Leveon Bell. He doesn't remind me of him at all.

Bell aftet he dropped 15-20 pounds in the pros was a different Bell than he was at MSU, IMO™.

Johnson is not that Bell either, merely a similar style of runner. Bigger finesse guy that made his bones with vision more than brute strength.

 

[Raging weasel]

He reminds me of Raheem Mostert. He isn't quite as fast, but he gets what is blocked, doesn't break a lot of tackles and just runs the same way.

He was 13th in the country in forced missed tackles and behind only Jeanty in yards after contact per attempt.

I don't know if being 13th best at anything is really all that great of an accolade, tbh. Would seem to put you in the mediocre to good category.

Top 13 out of 200+ players is better than mediocre.

 

[Biabreakable]

He reminds me of Raheem Mostert. He isn't quite as fast, but he gets what is blocked, doesn't break a lot of tackles and just runs the same way.

He was 13th in the country in forced missed tackles and behind only Jeanty in yards after contact per attempt.

And that was with defenses keying him. Observers need to remember how little Iowa threw the ball.

He isnt someone I expect to be Derrick Henry, that's kind of nuts, but to gig him for not being able to "create his own yards" feels kinda weird if you've seen even a couple of his games. That's sort of his gimmick...he just doesnt put his head into a dude's chest when he can sidestep/juke/bounce off instead.

I sort of hate when scouts try and shoehoen "comps" onto players, but he really does run more like a Bell/Franco type runner (calm down. Im not saying he will be even half as good as either of those guys): bigger dudes, but they run like snaller dudes and have a knack for picking the right spots to attack on cutbacks/etc. They all have/had vision, basically.

Brings to mind the story about what Paterno told scouts about Mitchell/Harris in that draft cycle. "If I tell Lydell Mitchell to do it, he'll run through a brick wall without hesitation. If I tell Franco? He will run at the wall while checking for soft spots, then go punish the soft spot."

Steelers OL/scheme will determine Johnson ultimate fate, but if theyre sticking with the wdie zone (or leaning in to it even more, as some intimate) Johnson fits that incredibly. He could still totally tank, but the philosophy vs. fit for his slillset couldn't be a whole lot better.

I could be off on the Mostert thing because I didn't see a lot of him in college, but I did watch a lot of Leveon Bell. He doesn't remind me of him at all.

Bell aftet he dropped 15-20 pounds in the pros was a different Bell than he was at MSU, IMO™.

Johnson is not that Bell either, merely a similar style of runner. Bigger finesse guy that made his bones with vision more than brute strength.

Bell had a 6.75 3 cone time which is outstanding for any player.

I know RB don't do this drill much anymore but I am guessing Johnson wouldn't do as well in this drill as Bell did.

To me he like David Montgomery.

 

[msudaisy26]

He reminds me of Raheem Mostert. He isn't quite as fast, but he gets what is blocked, doesn't break a lot of tackles and just runs the same way.

He was 13th in the country in forced missed tackles and behind only Jeanty in yards after contact per attempt.

I don't know if being 13th best at anything is really all that great of an accolade, tbh. Would seem to put you in the mediocre to good category.

Top 13 out of 200+ players is better than mediocre.

For college it is, but he is making the jump to the pros.

 

[msudaisy26]

He reminds me of Raheem Mostert. He isn't quite as fast, but he gets what is blocked, doesn't break a lot of tackles and just runs the same way.

He was 13th in the country in forced missed tackles and behind only Jeanty in yards after contact per attempt.

And that was with defenses keying him. Observers need to remember how little Iowa threw the ball.

He isnt someone I expect to be Derrick Henry, that's kind of nuts, but to gig him for not being able to "create his own yards" feels kinda weird if you've seen even a couple of his games. That's sort of his gimmick...he just doesnt put his head into a dude's chest when he can sidestep/juke/bounce off instead.

I sort of hate when scouts try and shoehoen "comps" onto players, but he really does run more like a Bell/Franco type runner (calm down. Im not saying he will be even half as good as either of those guys): bigger dudes, but they run like snaller dudes and have a knack for picking the right spots to attack on cutbacks/etc. They all have/had vision, basically.

Brings to mind the story about what Paterno told scouts about Mitchell/Harris in that draft cycle. "If I tell Lydell Mitchell to do it, he'll run through a brick wall without hesitation. If I tell Franco? He will run at the wall while checking for soft spots, then go punish the soft spot."

Steelers OL/scheme will determine Johnson ultimate fate, but if theyre sticking with the wdie zone (or leaning in to it even more, as some intimate) Johnson fits that incredibly. He could still totally tank, but the philosophy vs. fit for his slillset couldn't be a whole lot better.

I could be off on the Mostert thing because I didn't see a lot of him in college, but I did watch a lot of Leveon Bell. He doesn't remind me of him at all.

Bell aftet he dropped 15-20 pounds in the pros was a different Bell than he was at MSU, IMO™.

Johnson is not that Bell either, merely a similar style of runner. Bigger finesse guy that made his bones with vision more than brute strength.

I have never seen a rb that run like Bell. His style is beyond unique.

 

[pinkstapler]

He reminds me of Raheem Mostert. He isn't quite as fast, but he gets what is blocked, doesn't break a lot of tackles and just runs the same way.

He was 13th in the country in forced missed tackles and behind only Jeanty in yards after contact per attempt.

I don't know if being 13th best at anything is really all that great of an accolade, tbh. Would seem to put you in the mediocre to good category.

Top 13 out of 200+ players is better than mediocre.

Compared to other college players, sure. As a pro prospect, would seem to leave a little to be desired but after all this guy was drafted in he 3rd Round so it makes sense. If he was that big and also one of the most slippery players in college, he'd have gone in the first round.

Let me introduce you to a guy named Cam Skattebo....

This line of thinking is so riddled with fallacy I don't even know where to start...

 

[massraider]

Bell aftet he dropped 15-20 pounds in the pros was a different Bell than he was at MSU, IMO™.

LeVeon Bell year one to year two in the NFL, was the biggest offseason change I can ever remember one player having.

I was down on him coming out of college, and his second year in the league, he was a completely different back. Body looked different, he started running that hesitation thing of his perfectly.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

He's similar to Najee, except he is made for the offense Art Smith runs, the zone run game, Najee was not, Kaleb will have a better OL than Najee ever had in PIT. Probably a step quicker than Najee too. I took him at 1.07 and never had a second thought about it. So give me better Najee numbers, and Warren only there 1 more year, and Kaleb makes sense, esp in dynasty.

He is not at all similar to Harris. They are both big, but that is it. Harris has no break away speed. Johnson takes a bit to build up, but is very fast. His tape is full of explosive runs. There running style is completely different as well. Harris cannot cut back.

Size and speed are the similarities, Johnson ran a 4.57 at the combine, 6'1'', 224 lbs. Najee was 4.63, 6'1'', 232 lbs. So he's a bit faster. But its the scheme that will make Johnson a better fit with the Steelers. There are plenty of 4-50 yard runs by Najee at Alabama, but he never looked that quick/fast with the Steelers.

Najee didn't run a 40

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

He reminds me of Raheem Mostert. He isn't quite as fast, but he gets what is blocked, doesn't break a lot of tackles and just runs the same way.

He was 13th in the country in forced missed tackles and behind only Jeanty in yards after contact per attempt.

I don't know if being 13th best at anything is really all that great of an accolade, tbh. Would seem to put you in the mediocre to good category.

There are 100s of rbs in college. That is top 5%

 

[LawFitz]

I see way more Arian Foster than Lev Bell. This dude is patient and just glides through holes as he feels them develop. Pitt's OC is a major concern for me, though.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

He reminds me of Raheem Mostert. He isn't quite as fast, but he gets what is blocked, doesn't break a lot of tackles and just runs

I see way more Arian Foster than Lev Bell. This dude is patient and just glides through holes as he feels them develop.

I can see that as a comp too, for sure. Quicker than fast, had some explosion for a bigger guy, great vision.

 

[JohnnyU]

He's similar to Najee, except he is made for the offense Art Smith runs, the zone run game, Najee was not, Kaleb will have a better OL than Najee ever had in PIT. Probably a step quicker than Najee too. I took him at 1.07 and never had a second thought about it. So give me better Najee numbers, and Warren only there 1 more year, and Kaleb makes sense, esp in dynasty.

He is not at all similar to Harris. They are both big, but that is it. Harris has no break away speed. Johnson takes a bit to build up, but is very fast. His tape is full of explosive runs. There running style is completely different as well. Harris cannot cut back.

Size and speed are the similarities, Johnson ran a 4.57 at the combine, 6'1'', 224 lbs. Najee was 4.63, 6'1'', 232 lbs. So he's a bit faster. But its the scheme that will make Johnson a better fit with the Steelers. There are plenty of 4-50 yard runs by Najee at Alabama, but he never looked that quick/fast with the Steelers.

Najee didn't run a 40

He only drank one at the combine I believe.

 

[steelcityman]

He's similar to Najee, except he is made for the offense Art Smith runs, the zone run game, Najee was not, Kaleb will have a better OL than Najee ever had in PIT. Probably a step quicker than Najee too. I took him at 1.07 and never had a second thought about it. So give me better Najee numbers, and Warren only there 1 more year, and Kaleb makes sense, esp in dynasty.

He is not at all similar to Harris. They are both big, but that is it. Harris has no break away speed. Johnson takes a bit to build up, but is very fast. His tape is full of explosive runs. There running style is completely different as well. Harris cannot cut back.

Size and speed are the similarities, Johnson ran a 4.57 at the combine, 6'1'', 224 lbs. Najee was 4.63, 6'1'', 232 lbs. So he's a bit faster. But its the scheme that will make Johnson a better fit with the Steelers. There are plenty of 4-50 yard runs by Najee at Alabama, but he never looked that quick/fast with the Steelers.

Najee didn't run a 40

Said he ran 4.63, I am pretty sure he ran a timed 40 at some point and time before he was drafted. Looking back, that should have been a red flag he was slow. But the draft capital.

 

[Faust]

One of 2025's key fantasy draft calls will be predicting the second-best rookie RB — a case for Kaleb Johnson

 

[Faust]

Nick Farabaugh
Steelers RBs coach Eddie Faulkner says Kaleb Johnson has a willingness to put his face in the fan and the team seems him responding extremely well to their pass pro challenges and notes.

“He’s just wired in the right way.”

https://x.com/farabaughfb/status/1932816613289480627?s=61

 

[Faust]

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin praising former Iowa RB Kaleb Johnson early in career

 

[Faust]

Theo Gremminger
Mike Tomlin on Rookie RB Kaleb Johnson

"Kaleb has an awesome skillset….
He has that unique blend of
experience and youth that's very attractive to us."

Goes on to reference Le’Veon Bell and Rashard Mendenhall

Johnson currently has an ADP of RB25 - for now .

https://x.com/theogfantasy/status/1936824333508210952?s=61

 

[5-ish Finkle]

THE Rashard Mendenhall?!

 

[JohnnyU]

THE Rashard Mendenhall?!

I’d like to think THE Kaleb Johnson.

 

[Bronco Billy]

Casually calling this guy a better/faster Najee is a bit much.

Najee was a blue chip RB prospect, with better draft capital. Expecting him to be an upgrade is a big ask

The Steelers massively over drafted Harris. He isn't good. He is slow and has no vison.

What an awful take. Throughout his time at PIT Harris was among the lowest RBs at yards before contact but had solid to outstanding yards after contact. He was saddled with weak QB play that provided little support to the run game and his O lines were questionable at best and downright dogcrap a lot of the time.

Looking at his production, he is a classic example of making chicken salad out of chicken crap, and he is a very good pass protector and a very solid receiving back. A legitimate 3 down RB who was reliable in keeping his O on schedule as best he could given his surroundings.

Not sure what you were watching.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

Casually calling this guy a better/faster Najee is a bit much.

Najee was a blue chip RB prospect, with better draft capital. Expecting him to be an upgrade is a big ask

The Steelers massively over drafted Harris. He isn't good. He is slow and has no vison.

What an awful take. Throughout his time at PIT Harris was among the lowest RBs at yards before contact but had solid to outstanding yards after contact. He was saddled with weak QB play that provided little support to the run game and his O lines were questionable at best and downright dogcrap a lot of the time.

Looking at his production, he is a classic example of making chicken salad out of chicken crap, and he is a very good pass protector and a very solid receiving back. A legitimate 3 down RB who was reliable in keeping his O on schedule as best he could given his surroundings.

Not sure what you were watching.

Outstanding yards after contact?
2024 32nd out of 46 rb's with 2.88yac/rush
3..03 in 23, 2.74 in 22, 2.96 in 21. I would say he has made it to average in one of his 4 years. The rest are bad.

He is not a very good receiver either. Last year was his first ever season with more than 1 yd/route run. He had over 11% drop rate. He has had 2 contested catches in his career.

He is all hype and volume. Devin Singletary is a better back.

 

[Grid71]

Casually calling this guy a better/faster Najee is a bit much.

Najee was a blue chip RB prospect, with better draft capital. Expecting him to be an upgrade is a big ask

The Steelers massively over drafted Harris. He isn't good. He is slow and has no vison.

What an awful take. Throughout his time at PIT Harris was among the lowest RBs at yards before contact but had solid to outstanding yards after contact. He was saddled with weak QB play that provided little support to the run game and his O lines were questionable at best and downright dogcrap a lot of the time.

Looking at his production, he is a classic example of making chicken salad out of chicken crap, and he is a very good pass protector and a very solid receiving back. A legitimate 3 down RB who was reliable in keeping his O on schedule as best he could given his surroundings.

Not sure what you were watching.

Harris move is a better fit. Give him a downhill power rushing attack and he’s more effective. He’s not a great fit for Arthur Smith style runs.

I thought Warren was going to take over last season but he didn’t.

Now we have Kaleb stepping in. On paper he’s a perfect match. Excited to see what he can do with the opportunity.

 

[TripItUp]

THE Rashard Mendenhall?!

This legit made me spit out my coffee...well executed.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

Casually calling this guy a better/faster Najee is a bit much.

Najee was a blue chip RB prospect, with better draft capital. Expecting him to be an upgrade is a big ask

The Steelers massively over drafted Harris. He isn't good. He is slow and has no vison.

What an awful take. Throughout his time at PIT Harris was among the lowest RBs at yards before contact but had solid to outstanding yards after contact. He was saddled with weak QB play that provided little support to the run game and his O lines were questionable at best and downright dogcrap a lot of the time.

Looking at his production, he is a classic example of making chicken salad out of chicken crap, and he is a very good pass protector and a very solid receiving back. A legitimate 3 down RB who was reliable in keeping his O on schedule as best he could given his surroundings.

Not sure what you were watching.

Harris move is a better fit. Give him a downhill power rushing attack and he’s more effective. He’s not a great fit for Arthur Smith style runs.

I thought Warren was going to take over last season but he didn’t.

Now we have Kaleb stepping in. On paper he’s a perfect match. Excited to see what he can do with the opportunity.

I am not really sure he is a good fit in a power attack. We will see if he can be better in SD, but last year was actually his highest graded PFF season. He has never averaged above 4 ypc. He is one of the slowest RB's I have ever seen in the NFL.

 

[eighsse2]

Casually calling this guy a better/faster Najee is a bit much.

Najee was a blue chip RB prospect, with better draft capital. Expecting him to be an upgrade is a big ask

The Steelers massively over drafted Harris. He isn't good. He is slow and has no vison.

What an awful take. Throughout his time at PIT Harris was among the lowest RBs at yards before contact but had solid to outstanding yards after contact. He was saddled with weak QB play that provided little support to the run game and his O lines were questionable at best and downright dogcrap a lot of the time.

Looking at his production, he is a classic example of making chicken salad out of chicken crap, and he is a very good pass protector and a very solid receiving back. A legitimate 3 down RB who was reliable in keeping his O on schedule as best he could given his surroundings.

Not sure what you were watching.

Outstanding yards after contact?
2024 32nd out of 46 rb's with 2.88yac/rush
3..03 in 23, 2.74 in 22, 2.96 in 21. I would say he has made it to average in one of his 4 years. The rest are bad.

He is not a very good receiver either. Last year was his first ever season with more than 1 yd/route run. He had over 11% drop rate. He has had 2 contested catches in his career.

He is all hype and volume. Devin Singletary is a better back.

With guys named @Drunken Cowboy and @Bronco Billy going at it like this, I think pistols at dawn may be in order.

 

[Bronco Billy]

Casually calling this guy a better/faster Najee is a bit much.

Najee was a blue chip RB prospect, with better draft capital. Expecting him to be an upgrade is a big ask

The Steelers massively over drafted Harris. He isn't good. He is slow and has no vison.

What an awful take. Throughout his time at PIT Harris was among the lowest RBs at yards before contact but had solid to outstanding yards after contact. He was saddled with weak QB play that provided little support to the run game and his O lines were questionable at best and downright dogcrap a lot of the time.

Looking at his production, he is a classic example of making chicken salad out of chicken crap, and he is a very good pass protector and a very solid receiving back. A legitimate 3 down RB who was reliable in keeping his O on schedule as best he could given his surroundings.

Not sure what you were watching.

Outstanding yards after contact?
2024 32nd out of 46 rb's with 2.88yac/rush
3..03 in 23, 2.74 in 22, 2.96 in 21. I would say he has made it to average in one of his 4 years. The rest are bad.

He is not a very good receiver either. Last year was his first ever season with more than 1 yd/route run. He had over 11% drop rate. He has had 2 contested catches in his career.

He is all hype and volume. Devin Singletary is a better back.

2024 NFL Advanced Rushing | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Check out the 2024 NFL Advanced Rushing Stats and more on Pro-football-reference.com

www.pro-football-reference.com

I see his YAC as 0.2 ypc better than league average last season. Did you look at the previous years as well?

 

[Ilov80s]

Casually calling this guy a better/faster Najee is a bit much.

Najee was a blue chip RB prospect, with better draft capital. Expecting him to be an upgrade is a big ask

The Steelers massively over drafted Harris. He isn't good. He is slow and has no vison.

What an awful take. Throughout his time at PIT Harris was among the lowest RBs at yards before contact but had solid to outstanding yards after contact. He was saddled with weak QB play that provided little support to the run game and his O lines were questionable at best and downright dogcrap a lot of the time.

Looking at his production, he is a classic example of making chicken salad out of chicken crap, and he is a very good pass protector and a very solid receiving back. A legitimate 3 down RB who was reliable in keeping his O on schedule as best he could given his surroundings.

Not sure what you were watching.

Harris move is a better fit. Give him a downhill power rushing attack and he’s more effective. He’s not a great fit for Arthur Smith style runs.

I thought Warren was going to take over last season but he didn’t.

Now we have Kaleb stepping in. On paper he’s a perfect match. Excited to see what he can do with the opportunity.

I am not really sure he is a good fit in a power attack. We will see if he can be better in SD, but last year was actually his highest graded PFF season. He has never averaged above 4 ypc. He is one of the slowest RB's I have ever seen in the NFL.

I am on your side here. He just lacks explosion and he can't generate big plays. He is very skilled, physically strong, has outstanding character and work ethic. He just never had juice. His stats got super padded because he played for Alabama and Saban really trused him (and the only competition was Brian Robinson).

 

[bluemanfoo]

So give this guy a crease in an outside zone play and he looks great. But he never makes people miss on his own. He needs good blocking. I just don't see the love for this guy.

 

[pinkstapler]

So give this guy a crease in an outside zone play and he looks great. But he never makes people miss on his own. He needs good blocking. I just don't see the love for this guy.

This couldn't be more wrong. Google is free man. It's fine to not like him, but at least fact check yourself before saying things that are completely baseless. 66 missed tackles forced on 240 rushes; a rate of 27.5%. PFF also has him in the 94th percentile for YAC per attempt. He both makes people miss, and drags them for more yards, than just about any RB in this class. He's basically behind Jeanty, and alongside Skattebo, with regards to elusiveness. He also did this facing stacked boxes on 50% of all his touches. The next highest RB in this class was at 39%.

You wanna hate on him; jump on the "he's slow" bandwagon. At least there's some actual data to make that argument.

 

[bluemanfoo]

So give this guy a crease in an outside zone play and he looks great. But he never makes people miss on his own. He needs good blocking. I just don't see the love for this guy.

This couldn't be more wrong. Google is free man. It's fine to not like him, but at least fact check yourself before saying things that are completely baseless. 66 missed tackles forced on 240 rushes; a rate of 27.5%. PFF also has him in the 94th percentile for YAC per attempt. He both makes people miss, and drags them for more yards, than just about any RB in this class. He's basically behind Jeanty, and alongside Skattebo, with regards to elusiveness. He also did this facing stacked boxes on 50% of all his touches. The next highest RB in this class was at 39%.

You wanna hate on him; jump on the "he's slow" bandwagon. At least there's some actual data to make that argument.

I'll admit, all I know of him comes from youtube. But if this is highlight video, I am thoroughly unimpressed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwadVKig-js

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

So give this guy a crease in an outside zone play and he looks great. But he never makes people miss on his own. He needs good blocking. I just don't see the love for this guy.

This couldn't be more wrong. Google is free man. It's fine to not like him, but at least fact check yourself before saying things that are completely baseless. 66 missed tackles forced on 240 rushes; a rate of 27.5%. PFF also has him in the 94th percentile for YAC per attempt. He both makes people miss, and drags them for more yards, than just about any RB in this class. He's basically behind Jeanty, and alongside Skattebo, with regards to elusiveness. He also did this facing stacked boxes on 50% of all his touches. The next highest RB in this class was at 39%.

You wanna hate on him; jump on the "he's slow" bandwagon. At least there's some actual data to make that argument.

The slow stuff is nonsense. His 40 time is good for a guy his size, but also not a reflection of his speed. His game speeds are crazy fast. He has a ton of explosive runs.

 

[DocHolliday]

So give this guy a crease in an outside zone play and he looks great. But he never makes people miss on his own. He needs good blocking. I just don't see the love for this guy.

This couldn't be more wrong. Google is free man. It's fine to not like him, but at least fact check yourself before saying things that are completely baseless. 66 missed tackles forced on 240 rushes; a rate of 27.5%. PFF also has him in the 94th percentile for YAC per attempt. He both makes people miss, and drags them for more yards, than just about any RB in this class. He's basically behind Jeanty, and alongside Skattebo, with regards to elusiveness. He also did this facing stacked boxes on 50% of all his touches. The next highest RB in this class was at 39%.

You wanna hate on him; jump on the "he's slow" bandwagon. At least there's some actual data to make that argument.

The slow stuff is nonsense. His 40 time is good for a guy his size, but also not a reflection of his speed. His game speeds are crazy fast. He has a ton of explosive runs.

This guy is going to thrive in Pittsburgh. I am not saying he is going to be incredible but he will get volume and is good enough to put up solid numbers.

 

[Ray Barboni]

So give this guy a crease in an outside zone play and he looks great. But he never makes people miss on his own. He needs good blocking. I just don't see the love for this guy.

This couldn't be more wrong. Google is free man. It's fine to not like him, but at least fact check yourself before saying things that are completely baseless. 66 missed tackles forced on 240 rushes; a rate of 27.5%. PFF also has him in the 94th percentile for YAC per attempt. He both makes people miss, and drags them for more yards, than just about any RB in this class. He's basically behind Jeanty, and alongside Skattebo, with regards to elusiveness. He also did this facing stacked boxes on 50% of all his touches. The next highest RB in this class was at 39%.

You wanna hate on him; jump on the "he's slow" bandwagon. At least there's some actual data to make that argument.

The slow stuff is nonsense. His 40 time is good for a guy his size, but also not a reflection of his speed. His game speeds are crazy fast. He has a ton of explosive runs.

This guy is going to thrive in Pittsburgh. I am not saying he is going to be incredible but he will get volume and is good enough to put up solid numbers.

Agreed. Easily one of the safest late 1st round rookie picks ever.

 

[menobrown]

So give this guy a crease in an outside zone play and he looks great. But he never makes people miss on his own. He needs good blocking. I just don't see the love for this guy.

This couldn't be more wrong. Google is free man. It's fine to not like him, but at least fact check yourself before saying things that are completely baseless. 66 missed tackles forced on 240 rushes; a rate of 27.5%. PFF also has him in the 94th percentile for YAC per attempt. He both makes people miss, and drags them for more yards, than just about any RB in this class. He's basically behind Jeanty, and alongside Skattebo, with regards to elusiveness. He also did this facing stacked boxes on 50% of all his touches. The next highest RB in this class was at 39%.

You wanna hate on him; jump on the "he's slow" bandwagon. At least there's some actual data to make that argument.

The slow stuff is nonsense. His 40 time is good for a guy his size, but also not a reflection of his speed. His game speeds are crazy fast. He has a ton of explosive runs.

This guy is going to thrive in Pittsburgh. I am not saying he is going to be incredible but he will get volume and is good enough to put up solid numbers.

Agreed. Easily one of the safest late 1st round rookie picks ever.

I guess it depends on your expectations but his poor draft capital does not allow me to share this point of view.

And fwiw I like him and was in on him early in redrafts before the NFL draft. I just see the low level of draft commitment as making him a long term dynasty asset as risky.

 

[JohnnyU]

So give this guy a crease in an outside zone play and he looks great. But he never makes people miss on his own. He needs good blocking. I just don't see the love for this guy.

This couldn't be more wrong. Google is free man. It's fine to not like him, but at least fact check yourself before saying things that are completely baseless. 66 missed tackles forced on 240 rushes; a rate of 27.5%. PFF also has him in the 94th percentile for YAC per attempt. He both makes people miss, and drags them for more yards, than just about any RB in this class. He's basically behind Jeanty, and alongside Skattebo, with regards to elusiveness. He also did this facing stacked boxes on 50% of all his touches. The next highest RB in this class was at 39%.

You wanna hate on him; jump on the "he's slow" bandwagon. At least there's some actual data to make that argument.

The slow stuff is nonsense. His 40 time is good for a guy his size, but also not a reflection of his speed. His game speeds are crazy fast. He has a ton of explosive runs.

This guy is going to thrive in Pittsburgh. I am not saying he is going to be incredible but he will get volume and is good enough to put up solid numbers.

Agreed. Easily one of the safest late 1st round rookie picks ever.

I guess it depends on your expectations but his poor draft capital does not allow me to share this point of view.

And fwiw I like him and was in on him early in redrafts before the NFL draft. I just see the low level of draft commitment as making him a long term dynasty asset as risky.

You should have gotten rid of Warren when you had the chance

 

[menobrown]

So give this guy a crease in an outside zone play and he looks great. But he never makes people miss on his own. He needs good blocking. I just don't see the love for this guy.

This couldn't be more wrong. Google is free man. It's fine to not like him, but at least fact check yourself before saying things that are completely baseless. 66 missed tackles forced on 240 rushes; a rate of 27.5%. PFF also has him in the 94th percentile for YAC per attempt. He both makes people miss, and drags them for more yards, than just about any RB in this class. He's basically behind Jeanty, and alongside Skattebo, with regards to elusiveness. He also did this facing stacked boxes on 50% of all his touches. The next highest RB in this class was at 39%.

You wanna hate on him; jump on the "he's slow" bandwagon. At least there's some actual data to make that argument.

The slow stuff is nonsense. His 40 time is good for a guy his size, but also not a reflection of his speed. His game speeds are crazy fast. He has a ton of explosive runs.

This guy is going to thrive in Pittsburgh. I am not saying he is going to be incredible but he will get volume and is good enough to put up solid numbers.

Agreed. Easily one of the safest late 1st round rookie picks ever.

I guess it depends on your expectations but his poor draft capital does not allow me to share this point of view.

And fwiw I like him and was in on him early in redrafts before the NFL draft. I just see the low level of draft commitment as making him a long term dynasty asset as risky.

You should have gotten rid of Warren when you had the chance

Have never owned Warren in dynasty, currently not on any redraft teams. Have Kaleb all over in redraft, one dynasty. So, no.

 

[JohnnyU]

So give this guy a crease in an outside zone play and he looks great. But he never makes people miss on his own. He needs good blocking. I just don't see the love for this guy.

This couldn't be more wrong. Google is free man. It's fine to not like him, but at least fact check yourself before saying things that are completely baseless. 66 missed tackles forced on 240 rushes; a rate of 27.5%. PFF also has him in the 94th percentile for YAC per attempt. He both makes people miss, and drags them for more yards, than just about any RB in this class. He's basically behind Jeanty, and alongside Skattebo, with regards to elusiveness. He also did this facing stacked boxes on 50% of all his touches. The next highest RB in this class was at 39%.

You wanna hate on him; jump on the "he's slow" bandwagon. At least there's some actual data to make that argument.

The slow stuff is nonsense. His 40 time is good for a guy his size, but also not a reflection of his speed. His game speeds are crazy fast. He has a ton of explosive runs.

This guy is going to thrive in Pittsburgh. I am not saying he is going to be incredible but he will get volume and is good enough to put up solid numbers.

Agreed. Easily one of the safest late 1st round rookie picks ever.

I guess it depends on your expectations but his poor draft capital does not allow me to share this point of view.

And fwiw I like him and was in on him early in redrafts before the NFL draft. I just see the low level of draft commitment as making him a long term dynasty asset as risky.

You should have gotten rid of Warren when you had the chance

Have never owned Warren in dynasty, currently not on any redraft teams. Have Kaleb all over in redraft, one dynasty. So, no.

Just enjoying the banter between you guys.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

So give this guy a crease in an outside zone play and he looks great. But he never makes people miss on his own. He needs good blocking. I just don't see the love for this guy.

This couldn't be more wrong. Google is free man. It's fine to not like him, but at least fact check yourself before saying things that are completely baseless. 66 missed tackles forced on 240 rushes; a rate of 27.5%. PFF also has him in the 94th percentile for YAC per attempt. He both makes people miss, and drags them for more yards, than just about any RB in this class. He's basically behind Jeanty, and alongside Skattebo, with regards to elusiveness. He also did this facing stacked boxes on 50% of all his touches. The next highest RB in this class was at 39%.

You wanna hate on him; jump on the "he's slow" bandwagon. At least there's some actual data to make that argument.

The slow stuff is nonsense. His 40 time is good for a guy his size, but also not a reflection of his speed. His game speeds are crazy fast. He has a ton of explosive runs.

This guy is going to thrive in Pittsburgh. I am not saying he is going to be incredible but he will get volume and is good enough to put up solid numbers.

Agreed. Easily one of the safest late 1st round rookie picks ever.

I guess it depends on your expectations but his poor draft capital does not allow me to share this point of view.

And fwiw I like him and was in on him early in redrafts before the NFL draft. I just see the low level of draft commitment as making him a long term dynasty asset as risky.

3rd round is pretty good draft capital for a RB

 

[JohnnyU]

So give this guy a crease in an outside zone play and he looks great. But he never makes people miss on his own. He needs good blocking. I just don't see the love for this guy.

This couldn't be more wrong. Google is free man. It's fine to not like him, but at least fact check yourself before saying things that are completely baseless. 66 missed tackles forced on 240 rushes; a rate of 27.5%. PFF also has him in the 94th percentile for YAC per attempt. He both makes people miss, and drags them for more yards, than just about any RB in this class. He's basically behind Jeanty, and alongside Skattebo, with regards to elusiveness. He also did this facing stacked boxes on 50% of all his touches. The next highest RB in this class was at 39%.

You wanna hate on him; jump on the "he's slow" bandwagon. At least there's some actual data to make that argument.

The slow stuff is nonsense. His 40 time is good for a guy his size, but also not a reflection of his speed. His game speeds are crazy fast. He has a ton of explosive runs.

This guy is going to thrive in Pittsburgh. I am not saying he is going to be incredible but he will get volume and is good enough to put up solid numbers.

Agreed. Easily one of the safest late 1st round rookie picks ever.

I guess it depends on your expectations but his poor draft capital does not allow me to share this point of view.

And fwiw I like him and was in on him early in redrafts before the NFL draft. I just see the low level of draft commitment as making him a long term dynasty asset as risky.

3rd round is pretty good draft capital for a RB

Yes it is

 

[menobrown]

So give this guy a crease in an outside zone play and he looks great. But he never makes people miss on his own. He needs good blocking. I just don't see the love for this guy.

This couldn't be more wrong. Google is free man. It's fine to not like him, but at least fact check yourself before saying things that are completely baseless. 66 missed tackles forced on 240 rushes; a rate of 27.5%. PFF also has him in the 94th percentile for YAC per attempt. He both makes people miss, and drags them for more yards, than just about any RB in this class. He's basically behind Jeanty, and alongside Skattebo, with regards to elusiveness. He also did this facing stacked boxes on 50% of all his touches. The next highest RB in this class was at 39%.

You wanna hate on him; jump on the "he's slow" bandwagon. At least there's some actual data to make that argument.

The slow stuff is nonsense. His 40 time is good for a guy his size, but also not a reflection of his speed. His game speeds are crazy fast. He has a ton of explosive runs.

This guy is going to thrive in Pittsburgh. I am not saying he is going to be incredible but he will get volume and is good enough to put up solid numbers.

Agreed. Easily one of the safest late 1st round rookie picks ever.

I guess it depends on your expectations but his poor draft capital does not allow me to share this point of view.

And fwiw I like him and was in on him early in redrafts before the NFL draft. I just see the low level of draft commitment as making him a long term dynasty asset as risky.

3rd round is pretty good draft capital for a RB

It's back end of round 3, let's not pretend that's less then ideal and it's a pretty far cry away from being safe.

Would have been nice if I had heard they thought about moving up. Instead I discovered they actually tried to forego the pick and move back into round 4.

The Steelers have three 3 thirds next year to say nothing of the two 4's and 5's. This again is why he's not what I consider a safe investment. The commitment to him is low and the ability to bring in comp is high.

 

[pinkstapler]

So give this guy a crease in an outside zone play and he looks great. But he never makes people miss on his own. He needs good blocking. I just don't see the love for this guy.

This couldn't be more wrong. Google is free man. It's fine to not like him, but at least fact check yourself before saying things that are completely baseless. 66 missed tackles forced on 240 rushes; a rate of 27.5%. PFF also has him in the 94th percentile for YAC per attempt. He both makes people miss, and drags them for more yards, than just about any RB in this class. He's basically behind Jeanty, and alongside Skattebo, with regards to elusiveness. He also did this facing stacked boxes on 50% of all his touches. The next highest RB in this class was at 39%.

You wanna hate on him; jump on the "he's slow" bandwagon. At least there's some actual data to make that argument.

The slow stuff is nonsense. His 40 time is good for a guy his size, but also not a reflection of his speed. His game speeds are crazy fast. He has a ton of explosive runs.

This guy is going to thrive in Pittsburgh. I am not saying he is going to be incredible but he will get volume and is good enough to put up solid numbers.

Agreed. Easily one of the safest late 1st round rookie picks ever.

I guess it depends on your expectations but his poor draft capital does not allow me to share this point of view.

And fwiw I like him and was in on him early in redrafts before the NFL draft. I just see the low level of draft commitment as making him a long term dynasty asset as risky.

3rd round is pretty good draft capital for a RB

It's back end of round 3, let's not pretend that's less then ideal and it's a pretty far cry away from being safe.

Would have been nice if I had heard they thought about moving up. Instead I discovered they actually tried to forego the pick and move back into round 4.

The Steelers have three 3 thirds next year to say nothing of the two 4's and 5's. This again is why he's not what I consider a safe investment. The commitment to him is low and the ability to bring in comp is high.

To be fair to Meno (and these numbers will differ a bit based on what thresholds you use), in general fantasy success rates for 3rd round RBs are about 75% of the success rates for 2nd round RBs for a single season; they are about 50% of round 2 RBs for multiple seasons. The charting I use has 2nd round RB single season top 12 chance at 71% and 3rd round at 50%. I have multiple seasons as a top 12 back for 2nd round backs at 42%, while 3rd round drops to 22%. Trying to interpret that data leans into what I think Meno is getting at; multiple seasons of top 12 production start to drop with lower draft capital as they are simply more easily replaced/moved on from.

Kaleb aside; I'm still in the boat that as much as the above numbers are statistical trends for a reason, if there was a year to think some of guys will go against this trend it's this one. The class was incredibly talented and deep IMO. So while the odds are still certainly against a 3rd round RB having multiple top 12 seasons, the numbers tell us ~2 out of every 10 still do it and I think, in general, this class will provide us with more of these aberrations who hit the long odds. I'm making this same gamble with guys like Skattebo, Blue, Neal, and Brooks. And I think when we look at their profiles and data like YAC, MTF, YPRR, etc. and compare these numbers against rookie RB classes from the past 5+ years; the 2025 backs are generally comparable to previous rookies drafted a round+ higher than this year's guys were.

I'm still trying to find the balance between paragraph 1 and paragraph 2; but I'm continually leaning on the gamble of #2. Playing dynasty in a 3 year window, if Kaleb gives me an RB1 season and two RB2 seasons for a late 1st round pick, I still think I can consider that a win and not worry much about what happens after that. Anything more would just be "found money". And for Kaleb specifically, I think the Steelers have enough needs on that team that if Kaleb is doing well, I can see them not spending many/any early round picks on RB for the next few years. Not to mention, I think it's highly unlikely we have another RB class this deep for the next couple years (but who really knows on this front). I can say I'm not at all impressed with the 2026 class outside Love and Singleton. And those guys might be 1st round picks with the classes overall weakness. I'd bet heavily they aren't falling to the 3rd round outside injury or off field issues.

 

[pinkstapler]

So give this guy a crease in an outside zone play and he looks great. But he never makes people miss on his own. He needs good blocking. I just don't see the love for this guy.

This couldn't be more wrong. Google is free man. It's fine to not like him, but at least fact check yourself before saying things that are completely baseless. 66 missed tackles forced on 240 rushes; a rate of 27.5%. PFF also has him in the 94th percentile for YAC per attempt. He both makes people miss, and drags them for more yards, than just about any RB in this class. He's basically behind Jeanty, and alongside Skattebo, with regards to elusiveness. He also did this facing stacked boxes on 50% of all his touches. The next highest RB in this class was at 39%.

You wanna hate on him; jump on the "he's slow" bandwagon. At least there's some actual data to make that argument.

I'll admit, all I know of him comes from youtube. But if this is highlight video, I am thoroughly unimpressed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwadVKig-js

I avoid highlight videos in general. They are rarely representative of a players actual down to down skill in my experience. Fun to watch after I draft a guy to think about low percentage chances of them becoming some kinda super hero in the NFL; but I get a lot more out of watching condensed full games. You can normally digest a full game in about 20 minutes after cutting out commercials, time stoppages, and all defensive/ST plays. Doing that for Kaleb watching his games against Iowa St, Mich St, Ohio St, and Maryland left me supremely impressed with his qualities as a RB. In my experience watching what a RB does on a poorly blocked 4 yard run can, and often does, show me a lot more than what he's doing on a highlight reel play that was perfectly blocked and he goes untouched for 50+ yards. Those latter plays rarely if ever happen in the NFL for any RB, regardless of skill level. (This is also why I'm indifferent to his average/below average long speed; his long speed might matter on 2% of his rushes a season as opposed to his other skills which will matter on 90% of his attempts).

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

So give this guy a crease in an outside zone play and he looks great. But he never makes people miss on his own. He needs good blocking. I just don't see the love for this guy.

This couldn't be more wrong. Google is free man. It's fine to not like him, but at least fact check yourself before saying things that are completely baseless. 66 missed tackles forced on 240 rushes; a rate of 27.5%. PFF also has him in the 94th percentile for YAC per attempt. He both makes people miss, and drags them for more yards, than just about any RB in this class. He's basically behind Jeanty, and alongside Skattebo, with regards to elusiveness. He also did this facing stacked boxes on 50% of all his touches. The next highest RB in this class was at 39%.

You wanna hate on him; jump on the "he's slow" bandwagon. At least there's some actual data to make that argument.

The slow stuff is nonsense. His 40 time is good for a guy his size, but also not a reflection of his speed. His game speeds are crazy fast. He has a ton of explosive runs.

This guy is going to thrive in Pittsburgh. I am not saying he is going to be incredible but he will get volume and is good enough to put up solid numbers.

Agreed. Easily one of the safest late 1st round rookie picks ever.

I guess it depends on your expectations but his poor draft capital does not allow me to share this point of view.

And fwiw I like him and was in on him early in redrafts before the NFL draft. I just see the low level of draft commitment as making him a long term dynasty asset as risky.

3rd round is pretty good draft capital for a RB

It's back end of round 3, let's not pretend that's less then ideal and it's a pretty far cry away from being safe.

Would have been nice if I had heard they thought about moving up. Instead I discovered they actually tried to forego the pick and move back into round 4.

The Steelers have three 3 thirds next year to say nothing of the two 4's and 5's. This again is why he's not what I consider a safe investment. The commitment to him is low and the ability to bring in comp is high.

It was the middle of the 3rd. Technically in the top 1/2

 

[King of the Jungle]

He was the 6th RB selected in a very deep class. Middle of 3rd is not bad draft capital for an RB these days. It is certainly possible that the Steelers had multiple backs they liked in this deep class they were considering, but they did pull the trigger on him at that pick. I think he has enough skill to perform and I have no worries about his speed. He fell to early second round in our rookie draft and I was bummed I couldn’t strike a deal to get him.

 

[JohnnyU]

Ceiling - Derrick Henry
Floor - David Montgomery
Most likely - Le'Veon Bell

I firmly believe he will be fantasy viable for a few years and if you got him late in the 1st round or early 2nd, then good for you.​

 

[King of the Jungle]

Ceiling - Derrick Henry
Floor - David Montgomery
Most likely - Le'Veon Bell

I firmly believe he will be fantasy viable for a few years and if you got him late in the 1st round or early 2nd, then good for you.​

Pretty high floor and extremely high ceiling there. I like his chances but am not as confident in those ranges.

 

[JohnnyU]

Ceiling - Derrick Henry
Floor - David Montgomery
Most likely - Le'Veon Bell

I firmly believe he will be fantasy viable for a few years and if you got him late in the 1st round or early 2nd, then good for you.​

Pretty high floor and extremely high ceiling there. I like his chances but am not as confident in those ranges.

Using ceiling, floor and most likely, who would you insert?

 

[cdclopper]

Middle of third is good draft capital for a runningback, which is better than bad or ok DC for a runningback. More importantly tho, is a middle of third runningback good enough for using a late 1st on instead of first round players at TE, QB, or WR?

 

[King of the Jungle]

Ceiling - Derrick Henry
Floor - David Montgomery
Most likely - Le'Veon Bell

I firmly believe he will be fantasy viable for a few years and if you got him late in the 1st round or early 2nd, then good for you.​

Pretty high floor and extremely high ceiling there. I like his chances but am not as confident in those ranges.

Using ceiling, floor and most likely, who would you insert?

I will have to put some thought in that.

 

[pinkstapler]

Middle of third is good draft capital for a runningback, which is better than bad or ok DC for a runningback. More importantly tho, is a middle of third runningback good enough for using a late 1st on instead of first round players at TE, QB, or WR?

I don't think there's a universal answer to this and it's specific to each years draft class. With how weak this class was at WR, I think yes. Consensus opinion also agrees as he's ADP 9-12 everywhere I've looked. People are free to think whatever they want; but the overwhelming majority of dynasty players believe he was worth a late first.