nytimes.com
Steelers Draft Kaleb Johnson, Pass on Shedeur Sanders Again
The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson, a consensus All-American, with the No. 83 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, prioritizing him over quarterback Shedeur Sanders for the second time; Johnson's 1,537 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns in his junior season made him a valuable addition.
- Why did the Steelers prioritize drafting Kaleb Johnson over other available players, such as Shedeur Sanders?
- Johnson's exceptional college performance, including leading the Big Ten in rushing yards and touchdowns, makes him a valuable asset for the Steelers. His skillset aligns well with their run-heavy offensive scheme, suggesting a seamless transition to the NFL. The Steelers passed on quarterback Shedeur Sanders for the second time, prioritizing a running back instead.
- What immediate impact will Kaleb Johnson's selection have on the Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive strategy and performance?
- The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson with the No. 83 pick in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Johnson, a consensus All-American, rushed for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns in his junior season. This selection addresses the Steelers' need for a running back after Najee Harris' departure.
- What are the long-term implications of the Steelers' decision to draft Kaleb Johnson, considering their offensive scheme and team dynamics?
- The Steelers' decision reflects a commitment to their established offensive strategy, emphasizing a strong ground game. Johnson's physicality and proven success in a zone-based system suggest a significant impact on their rushing attack. His selection signals a potential shift in offensive balance, favoring the running game over other positions.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article's framing strongly favors Kaleb Johnson's selection, using positive language and extensive statistical evidence to highlight his strengths. The headline itself centers on the Steelers' selection of Johnson, setting the tone for the rest of the article. Subheadings such as "'The Beast' breakdown" and "How he fits" further reinforce the focus on Johnson, and the inclusion of quotes praising his abilities amplifies this positive framing. The limited discussion of Shedeur Sanders, relegated to brief mentions, creates a disproportionate emphasis on Johnson's selection, potentially influencing readers' perceptions of its success.
Language Bias
The article uses overwhelmingly positive language when describing Kaleb Johnson, employing terms like "fantastic scheme fit," "better version of Tyler Allgeier," and "true tough guy." These terms go beyond neutral reporting and suggest a clear preference for Johnson. While some criticisms of Johnson are included (e.g., "runs upright, giving defenders a large target"), they are presented within a largely positive context. More balanced language, such as replacing "fantastic scheme fit" with "potentially good fit" and describing his running style more neutrally, would improve objectivity.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on Kaleb Johnson's selection and attributes, providing extensive statistics and quotes praising his abilities. However, it mentions Shedeur Sanders only briefly, in passing, as a player the Steelers could have chosen but didn't. This omission could lead readers to undervalue Sanders' potential and not fully consider the strategic rationale behind the Steelers' selection. Other available running backs are also only briefly mentioned. The limited discussion of alternatives might prevent a comprehensive understanding of the draft's complexities. While acknowledging space constraints is important, providing even a concise overview of other prospects' strengths and weaknesses could have enriched the analysis.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic narrative suggesting that selecting Johnson was a clear win for the Steelers and implicitly implies that Sanders would have been an inferior choice. While the article presents positive attributes for Johnson, it doesn't explore the potential benefits of selecting Sanders or the potential drawbacks associated with Johnson. The lack of exploration regarding the complexities of the situation presents a false dichotomy by suggesting it was a straightforward choice rather than a strategic decision with multifaceted considerations.
Sustainable Development Goals
The NFL Draft and subsequent player contracts can contribute to economic opportunities and improved livelihoods for athletes and their communities. Success in professional sports can lead to significant financial gains, impacting poverty reduction. While the article focuses on a single player, the broader context of professional sports and economic opportunity is relevant.