The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a receiver on the First Team All-Pro list seven times. Once each for Roy Jefferson in 1969, Lynn Swann in 1978 and John Stallworth in 1979, before Antonio Brown broke off four nominees in a row from 2014-2017. Now Diontae Johnson wants to join that class.
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Steelers Diontae Johnson finds the endzone for a 2 point conversion in the 2022 season finale against the Cleveland Browns.
Johnson has one Pro Bowl appearance, posting his first 100-plus receptions and 1,000-plus yards season in 2021, entering his fifth season in the NFL. He's got a solid resume for a third-round pick at this point in his career. He's had over 50 catches every season and over 500 yards each year in Pittsburgh. In 2023, he struggled to find the endzone, other than once on a two-point conversion against the Browns in the last game, and had what felt like a down year after his earlier progression. But Head Coach Mike Tomlin wouldn't make any excuses for him back in February at the league meetings. He also still led the team in receptions and yards.
Out for the first days of OTAs, Johnson is setting the bar for himself very high this year.
"Definitely All-Pro," Johnson told Steelers.com's Teresa Varley. "Pro Bowl. Over 1,000 yards. Over 100 catches. Top 10, top 5. Saying that in the most humble way. Really, that is pretty much it."
Those are some pretty high benchmarks, my friend. Does anyone remember a certain Pittsburgh receiver named Chase Claypool claiming he was a top-three target in the league? That hasn't worked out too great for him. Johnson and Claypool have both had their share of not being able to find the endzone. After posting 11 total touchdowns in his rookie year, Claypool found the endzone twice in year two and had one receiving touchdown and a passing touchdown before his trade to the Chicago Bears.
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Steelers Diontae Johnson will be expected to bounce back to his previous levels after a full offseason working with Kenny Pickett.
This certainly isn't to say Johnson is on the trade block, despite the speculation this summer. He just signed a new deal last August and probably isn't going anywhere as the second most experienced player at the position.
How The Steelers' Receiver Plans To Make A Big 2023 Happen
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Pittsburgh Steelers WR Diontae Johnson vs Indianapolis Colts.
Similar to his nonchalant-like manner in setting his goals, the 27-year-old kept cool about attaining them.
"I pray over my goals," Johnson said. "If I achieve them, I achieve them. If I don't, I just keep working. At the end of the day that is all I can do."
He said he ran a little bit more and put a focus on routes and catching the football in training this offseason but can get better at every aspect of his game.
Quarterback Kenny Pickett admitted to working on his relationship with Johnson near the end of last season. The two had struggled to click early on. With Pickett installed as the full-time starter, they'll have even more time to work on the connection in the spring and summer.
The other potential hurdle (or plus depending on how things go) is the emergence of George Pickens. Pickens could become the favorite target for Pickett and the number-one guy in Pittsburgh next year. This could mean disaster if balls just don't come toward Johnson, but if he can get better looks and take advantage, the team could have a deadly two-punch duo.
Do you like Johnson setting his goals high? Do you think his goals are realistic? Comment below!
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