Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, Diontae Johnson continues to be underrated by those around the NFL. In ESPN's latest continuation of their position ranking series, Johnson failed to make the top-10 wide receivers list. In fact, he didn't even make the Honorable Mention list, which included five additional players. Johnson was mentioned in the "others receiving votes," as the the rankings are compiled through lists sent in from players, coaches, and executives from around the league.
Now, I don't think there's much argument for Johnson being over any of the guys in the top-10. With that being said, some of the guys on that Honorable Mention list are a bit debatable. Los Angeles Chargers wideout, Mike Williams is the first one that should stir up some debate. While he didn't specifically make the list himself, Jeremy Fowler included this in the description for Williams:
"Williams had a career-year in his fifth NFL season, posting 76 catches for 1,146 yards and nine touchdowns. The production earned him a three-year, $60 million extension. 'Size, contested catches, big plays, TD production,' an NFC scouting executive said. 'Perfect complement to Keenan Allen.'"
Both Williams and Johnson broke out for their best career seasons in 2021. In 16 games, Williams had 76 catches for 1,146 yards and nine touchdowns. Johnson had similar numbers in 16 games as well, as he had 107 catches for 1,161 yards and eight TDs. Additionally, Johnson had 40 more targets (169 to 129) than Williams, while being the Steelers' No. 1 option. Williams was the No. 2 behind Keenan Allen in Los Angeles, which can also be seen as advantage due to not always facing the opposing team's top corner. Also, Williams had Justin Herbert throwing him the ball as opposed to an aging Ben Roethlisberger.
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Saivion Smith tackles Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson during an NFL game on Nov. 8, 2020, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
At that point, you are splitting hairs amongst the game's top wide receivers. One can't be too upset with the selection of Williams over Johnson. Again, Johnson's omission isn't Fowler's fault, it's simply a collection of thoughts of many people around the league. Due to that, it's hard to complain too much on Johnson not making the list. The people used for these rankings spend time around these guys and are able to see, firsthand, how elite they truly are.
For the duration of the off-season, the main talk involving Diontae Johnson's name has been in regards to his contract situation. After the Steelers were able to extend Minkah Fitzpatrick, Johnson figured to be the next player for those extension negotiations. As weeks have gone by, his future in Pittsburgh seems a bit murky. As of now, it seems Johnson will head into the season without a contract extension. That would make him a free agent after the 2022 season, potentially ending his tenure in the black and gold.
Another potential guy that Johnson could have been included in the Honorable Mention over is New Orleans Saints WR Michael Thomas. While he was the best receiver in football just a few years ago, he's not that same guy. In 2020, he began to show a decline in play in his seven games in action, although injuries definitely limited his on-field performance. In 2021, Thomas didn't play in a single game. As a result, it's hard to justify his name being on that list over deserving guys like Johnson and others.
Should Steelers' Johnson have been on the top-10 list?
Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel/USA TODAY Sports
Let's also keep in mind that Johnson still does make a bit too many mistakes at the moment to be considered amongst the game's best. He improved on things in 2021, but picked back up on those bad habits late in the season. If he can consistently stay away from drops and fumbles, Johnson has more of an argument for the list.
Should Johnson have been in the Honorable Mention category, or perhaps even the top-10? What Steelers WR can you see being on this list in the future? Let us know your thoughts on these rankings in the comments below!
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