Kaleb Johnson

[steeler_fan_in_t.o.]

Not the end of the world but its definitely a wake up call for the rookie. Have to be able to protect the QB to get on the field. Not really surprised because Iowa isn’t a passing offense so he probably wasn’t asked to block a lot.

I like a lot of what I've seen about this kid and think he'll have the desire and ability to improve his blocking, but is starting from behind. I also think until that time his role will be limited.

[SteelerOfDeVille]

pass protection is the key to a rookie RB’s season.

Pass pro for him might determine whether a Jaylen Warren extension happens.

I suspect that “the plan” is to make him lead dog in Najee’s role and to get a cheaper, mid-round replacement for Warren next draft.

But you have to feel comfortable that he can pick up pass pro because next year’s rookie likely won’t be good at it.

[WindyCitySteel]

Pass pro for him might determine whether a Jaylen Warren extension happens.

I suspect that “the plan” is to make him lead dog in Najee’s role and to get a cheaper, mid-round replacement for Warren next draft.

But you have to feel comfortable that he can pick up pass pro because next year’s rookie likely won’t be good at it.

Lolz, Jaylen Warren is the definition of a JAG — Just A Guy. You’ll find players like him on cutdown day, no need to extend him.

[feltdizz]

Pass pro for him might determine whether a Jaylen Warren extension happens.

I suspect that “the plan” is to make him lead dog in Najee’s role and to get a cheaper, mid-round replacement for Warren next draft.

But you have to feel comfortable that he can pick up pass pro because next year’s rookie likely won’t be good at it.

I think a Warren extension happens regardless. I like Warren and he won’t be expensive to extend.

[Mr.wizard]

I think a Warren extension happens regardless. I like Warren and he won’t be expensive to extend.

I think so too, he is a nice role player and wont command alot of money, it will get interesting if he takes over the lead role and has a career year, what the Steelers will do in that scenario.

[WindyCitySteel]

The Steelers made Warren the 18th highest paid back in the league, he’s never going to be a workhorse here with Johnson, will want to start somewhere else. He’s not signing for less than what he gets now.

[SteelerOfDeVille]

I think a Warren extension happens regardless. I like Warren and he won’t be expensive to extend.

I don’t think it does.

I think the team has learned from league trends.

Why pay $5 mil per, when you can pay $5 mil for a whole rookie contract? It is just cheaper to just get a new running back in the draft, unless you have someone special.

He’s good. He’s not special.

edit: it’s a crap trend, but it makes financial sense

[Mr.wizard]

Im not that worried about Johnsons pass blocking just yet, I think he will get it right with reps. Johnson didnt exactly come from a high powered passing game where he was asked to do alot of pass pro.

[NorthCoast]

I don’t think it does.

I think the team has learned from league trends.

Why pay $5 mil per, when you can pay $5 mil for a whole rookie contract? It is just cheaper to just get a new running back in the draft, unless you have someone special.

He’s good. He’s not special.

edit: it’s a crap trend, but it makes financial sense

___________

[feltdizz]

I don’t think it does.

I think the team has learned from league trends.

Why pay $5 mil per, when you can pay $5 mil for a whole rookie contract? It is just cheaper to just get a new running back in the draft, unless you have someone special.

He’s good. He’s not special.

edit: it’s a crap trend, but it makes financial sense

Why? Because you want to win games!!! The cap is easy to finesse so I don’t give a damn about $5 mill for a reliable and dependable player.

At some point the FO has to realize the offense can’t keep relying on rookie contracts to get by just so we can keep paying the defense.

edit: and everyone isn’t going to be special on offense, if we move on from all the good players we will continue to be in this constant state of rebuilding.

[Joel Buchsbaum]

I like the pick and think he can contribute to the team but so in camp he hasn’t shown a special bust or the ability to run over NFL linebackers. It is early. Just saying…

[Northern_Blitz]

Why? Because you want to win games!!! The cap is easy to finesse so I don’t give a damn about $5 mill for a reliable and dependable player.

At some point the FO has to realize the offense can’t keep relying on rookie contracts to get by just so we can keep paying the defense.

edit: and everyone isn’t going to be special on offense, if we move on from all the good players we will continue to be in this constant state of rebuilding.

IMO, we should pay special players. Even RBs.

Sadly, we haven't found a special player on offense (who wasn't a head case) in a while. And the trick is to not pay guys who are OK like they are special players.

FWIW, I think I still would have kept Pickens this year so that we had more than 1 NFL WR.

[NorthCoast]

Why? Because you want to win games!!! The cap is easy to finesse so I don’t give a damn about $5 mill for a reliable and dependable player.

At some point the FO has to realize the offense can’t keep relying on rookie contracts to get by just so we can keep paying the defense.

edit: and everyone isn’t going to be special on offense, if we move on from all the good players we will continue to be in this constant state of rebuilding.

Kahn said it best. The Steelers needed playmakers. Thinking back, I can count on one hand the number of plays made by Najee (or Warren for that matter) in the last season.
Can Johnson be the playmaker they are looking for?

[hawaiiansteel]

Kaleb Johnson TEARING UP At Pittsburgh Steelers Training Camp Practice

[NorthCoast]

Kaleb Johnson TEARING UP At Pittsburgh Steelers Training Camp Practice

Good clip until he coughed up a loogie while talking