{"id":51446,"date":"2025-05-27T02:32:51","date_gmt":"2025-05-27T02:32:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usatoday.azontree.com\/?p=51446"},"modified":"2025-05-27T02:33:02","modified_gmt":"2025-05-27T02:33:02","slug":"steelers-rookie-makes-strong-derrick-henry-dalvin-cook-claim","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usatoday.azontree.com\/?p=51446","title":{"rendered":"Steelers Rookie Makes Strong Derrick Henry, Dalvin Cook Claim"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Mar 1, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson (RB16) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Pittsburgh\u00a0S<\/a>teelers rookie Kaleb Johnson\u00a0has made waves with a bold statement comparing himself to Pro Bowl running backs Derrick Henry and Dalvin Cook.\u00a0The third-round draft pick\u00a0from Iowa exudes confidence, believing his skill set mirrors the power of Henry and the versatility of Cook.<\/p>\n

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Johnson emerged as a standout at Iowa, amassing over 1,500 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns in a single season. His physical playstyle and ability to contribute as a pass-catcher make him a unique addition to the Steelers\u2019 run-heavy offense. Entering a backfield\u00a0led by Jaylen Warren, Johnson\u2019s arrival signals Pittsburgh\u2019s commitment to a bruising ground game under offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.<\/p>\n

\"NFL,
Dec 4, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (4) warms up before the game against the New York Jets at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The rookie\u2019s comparisons<\/a>\u00a0to Henry and Cook are rooted in his blend of size, strength, and speed. Standing at 6\u20191 and weighing 225 pounds, Johnson has the physicality to power through defenders while maintaining the agility to make plays in open space. His college performance demonstrates his capacity to handle a heavy workload, a trait Pittsburgh values highly.<\/p>\n

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