Although Iowa has featured many strong running backs over the years, Johnson's production stands out as a clear magnitude better than any of the Hawkeye RBs going back to Shonn Greene in 2008. By running for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns on 240 carries (6.4 YPC) in 2024, Johnson made a strong case to be selected on Day 2 of the draft (as Greene was in 2009). The Steelers bit, taking Johnson at No. 83 overall as a likely replacement for Najee Harris. At 6-foot-1, 224, Johnson is a big running back to be breaking so many long plays, and if he can offer a similar degree of big-play ability in the NFL then he'll be a standout fantasy back even without much receiving work. Johnson's combine performance was less than great, however -- a 4.57-second 40-yard dash suggests he's unlikely to break many long runs in the NFL -- so he might need to rebrand as a pure power runner alongside new teammate Jaylen Warren. The situation in Pittsburgh is favorable for Johnson to earn playing time early on, but he'll have to share work with Warren and won't necessarily take on all the snaps and touches that Harris handled the past few years.
