For a period of about five weeks this spring, Jaylen Warren for the first time in his pro career was the unquestioned No. 1 on the depth chart at running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

If Warren is upset that the organization’s drafting of Kaleb Johnson could threaten that, he isn’t letting on.

“I mean, he’s a ‘baller,’ ” Warren said Tuesday of the rookie third-round pick from Iowa. “The more ballers we’ve got, (the better). There was a great reaction (to Johnson joining the team), and seeing him coming in to put in that work, he’s definitely building and has brought into the process too.”

Warren spent his first three NFL seasons playing second fiddle in the Steelers’ backfield to 2021 first-round pick Najee Harris. Warren, who made the team as an undrafted rookie in 2022, increasingly infringed on Harris’ role and surely played some part in the Steelers’ decision to let Harris walk via free agency.

Warren got a raise to $5.346 million for his fourth NFL season in 2025, but he might have to fend off Johnson if he wants to be the Steelers’ alpha running back.

Johnson was a second-team AP All-America and the Big Ten’s running back of the year for Iowa this past season, when he had 1,537 rushing and 21 touchdowns.

Johnson’s work ethic so far has impressed Warren.

“Kaleb, he’s very attentive to details,” Warren said. “He’s working, he’s doing whatever it takes to work on his craft. He’s not cutting his days short, and I think that’s very appreciative from a rookie.”

#Steelers’ third-round pick Kaleb Johnson, who won’t turn 22 until toward the end of training camp at Saint Vincent College, speaks with a maturity beyond his years that figures to make him popular in the Steelers locker room. https://t.co/ycZgrbqeoG

— Tribune-Review Sports (@TribSports) May 17, 2025

Anywhere needed

Max Hurleman wasn’t signed by the Steelers until after a tryout at rookie minicamp last month. As might be expected, the “Swiss Army knife” of a player out of Notre Dame isn’t going to express a preference for what position he plays.

“Just trying to put my best foot forth in whatever (position) room and show my knowledge of the game,” Hurleman said, “and that I can be a versatile player who can be counted on.”

Hurleman said he spent his first week with the Steelers meeting with running backs and that during the first week of on-field group OTAs he was with the wide receivers.

“I’m bouncing around for sure,” said the 5-foot-11, 200-pound Hurleman. “Just kind of finding that role, doing whatever I could to help the team win.”

Hurleman was primarily a punt returner and special-teamer for Notre Dame’s run to the College Football Playoff national championship game last season. Though he was listed on the Fighting Irish’s roster as a cornerback, he played offense the two-plus seasons prior at Colgate.

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