The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Diontae Johnson in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Johnson is a polarizing figure in Steeler Nation. On the one hand, he is one of the best route runners in the entire NFL and a former Second Team All-Pro and Pro Bowler. On the other hand, he has struggled with drops and the infuriating tendency to run backward instead of forward last season.
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Steelers' Diontae Johnson hauls in pass against Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football in the 2019 season.
Johnson was hamstrung during his rookie season by being forced to play all but two games with Mason Rudolph and Lainey Wilson's boyfriend, Devlin Hodges as his quarterback. Johnson flashed significant ability during his rookie season, including a huge 45-yard touchdown catch at the end of the half against the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football.
One of Johnson’s most prominent supporters is Ben Roethlisberger. On the Monday edition of Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger, he paused his analysis of George Pickens and Kenny Pickett's upcoming second season with a thought on his former number one receiver. The future Hall of Fame quarterback remarked to his co-host Spencer T'eo that teams might consider shifting focus this season away from Johnson.
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Pittsburgh Steelers WR Diontae Johnson makes a catch against the Indianapolis Colts.
“DBs are looking for [Pickens], and defensive coordinators are looking for him,” Roethlisberger said. “George Pickens might get the number one. DBs might follow him this year. Now you gotta watch Diontae on the other side.”
Pickett and Mitch Trubisky failed to find Johnson for a touchdown in 2022. He was targeted 147 times and caught 86 passes. In 2021, Roethlisberger found Johnson for eight touchdowns on 169 targets and 107 catches. There is no question about Johnson’s ability to post numbers. After becoming just the third Steelers receiver to get a second contract in the salary cap era, Johnson took a significant step backward last season.
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Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson makes grab on Christmas Eve against the Las Vegas Raiders.
ESPN analytics ranked Johnson as the top receiver in the NFL at getting open in 2022. The issue that frustrated fans was that when he caught the ball, Johnson was trying to do too much with a routine catch. Matt Canada's stick routes that force him back to the ball resulted in eight-yard catches turning into five-yard gains. The newly extended receiver too often got caught up trying to be spectacular and earn his $36 million dollar extension on one play.
Steelers Have 36 Million Reasons Not To Tolerate Issues From Diontae Johnson
Johnson did not do himself any favors last season after his hold-in either. He was rumored to have started an altercation with Trubisky at halftime of the New York Jets game. Johnson had what looked to be his first touchdown of the 2022 season, but failed to get his feet down just before the half. After news of the halftime tirade leaked, the season slowly slipped away. Essential drops were magnified, and the fan base that did support him got tired of defending Johnson from his vocal critics.
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Diontae Johnson escapes a defensive back from the Cincinnati Bengals.
It is not the first time that Roethlisberger has advocated on Johnson's behalf. He was the future Hall of Fame quarterback's favorite target over his last two seasons. Johnson had his best year as a pro in Roethlisberger's final season. He posted 107 catches and over 1,100 yards receiving. Johnson also was selected to his only Pro Bowl in 2021.
Footbahlin With Ben Roethlisberger
Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger shares his thoughts on Diontae Johnson.
Roethlisberger is astute in his observation that if opposing defensive coordinators elect to defend Johnson with the second or third-best defensive back, he could have a huge year. The Steelers offense has to do a better job of balancing 147 targets for Johnson to 84 for Pickens. Pickens had almost five yards more per catch and scored four touchdowns. Pat Freiermuth, Allen Robinson, Pickens, and Johnson should get a much more balanced load in a more effective offense.
What do you think, Steeler Nation? Is 2023 going to be a huge bounce back year for Johnson? Let me know what you think. Please comment below or on my TwitterX: @thebubbasq.
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