Pittsburgh Steelers third-round rookie Kaleb Johnson has garnered a lot of buzz early on in the offseason. An ideal scheme fit for Arthur Smith’s offense, Johnson has impressed in mandatory minicamp and OTAs, and even with Jaylen Warren expected to lead Pittsburgh’s backfield, Johnson could play a role early in the season. Sports Illustrated’s Gilberto Manzano believes that Johnson is going to be Pittsburgh’s X-factor this season, and his role could be crucial to helping Aaron Rodgers thrive in Pittsburgh.
“How the Steelers’ offense takes shape in 2025 might hinge on Johnson’s development. If the rookie third-round pick makes an immediate impact, that would allow the young offensive line to establish a rhythm early in games and take pressure off Rodgers, who struggled with mobility last season with the New York Jets,” Manzano wrote.