Kaleb Johnson Fantasy Football Outlook (2025)

By Derek Brown (FantasyPros), Thu, Jun 5th 2025, 4:28pm EDT

The Steelers jettisoned Najee Harris and drafted his replacement as their lead back in the third round of the NFL Draft. Last year, Harris operated in an offense that was fourth in rushing attempts as Harris soaked up 299 touches (10th-most). Even if we lower those year-one expectations for Johnson, even 250 touches would have ranked 21st in the NFL. Johnson brings a big play ability that has been lacking over the last 2-3 years. Last year, not only did he rank fifth in breakaway percentage, but he was also eighth in yards after contact per attempt and 14th in elusive rating (per PFF). My love for Jaylen Warren hasn't dissipated, but we have to listen to the Steelers with their move to acquire Johnson's services. Warren will likely operate in his usual role while Johnson does the heavy lifting for Arthur Smith's run-centric offense. Johnson is an RB2/3 who could be an RB1 down the stretch in 2025 if he can distance himself further from Warren better than Harris ever could.