Steelers Draft WR Diontae Johnson

Day two of the 2019 NFL Draft began on Friday. The Steelers were absent of a pick in the second-round via the Devin Bush trade, but found themselves with two third-round pick thanks to the trade of Mr. something-something Now-Out-West.

With the 66th pick, the Steelers helped fill the void at wide receiver with the selection of 5’10” 183 lb Toledo wide receiver Diontae Johnson.

With receivers like Hakeem Butler and Kelvin Harmon still on the board, the initial knee-jerk reaction was that the Steelers reached on a guy they could have drafted 17 picks later with their second third-round pick. However, the Steelers know how to draft and develop receivers, and they LOVE this guy.

Steelers’ receiver coach Darryl Drake gushed about him in his press conference. If they’re on board with Johnson, we all should be too.

The Tape

Hands

Lets get the bad tape out of the way first. By far the biggest concern I saw with Johnson is dropped passes. The good news with this is it seems to be a concentration issue and not an issue with physically catching the football.

Johnson looks to turn up field before he completes the catch across the middle.

This time, the ball is thrown behind him, but Johnson doesn’t get his hands on the ball and instead tries to cradle it in.

This one hurts. A probable touchdown on a nicely run post, Johnson extends for a slightly high ball but can’t reel in the catch.

Finally, Johnson excelled on the sidelines in college, largely due to his release and short space agility. His college tape features similar highlights to this. This time Johnson makes the catch and scores. Only slight concerns come to mind with the double catch.

Ultimately, I think his hands are fine. He flashes outstanding plays where he displays great concentration and the ability to squeeze in tough catches with his hands. For example, does this play bring any names to mind?

Release

Johnson’s release is downright unstoppable more times than not. Corners were rarely able to jam him at the line of scrimmage, let alone get hands on him at all.

Johnson doesn’t get the ball, but he makes a fool of the corner that is in press-man coverage.

Johnson gets a great release off the line, and again the concentration-drop rears it’s ugly head. The next clip is more of the same. Great release, great route, and doesn’t come down with a tough catch.

With his route running and ability to get open fast, Ben Roethlisberger and
Randy Fichtner will have no issues making Johnson a big part of the offense. Johnson just needs to build trust with his new QB, something Johnson never truly had in college. Quarterback and offensive line play severely limited the Toledo offense, and as a result hurt Johnson’s production.

Route Running and Elusiveness

Most of the highlights already display Johnson’s smooth route running and slippery hips. He has a very good feel for finding space in the defense and attacks them with fast breaks. He attacks cornerbacks’ back shoulder that draws eerily similar comparisons to former WR84.

Johnson breaks his comeback route so fast the corner has no time to click and close. His elusiveness allows him to convert the first down.

Again, subtle arm extensions out of routes creates even more space, as Johnson turns his hips and takes this to the house.

A screen concept similar to what the Steelers like to do, Johnson is one desperation tackle away from taking this 70 yards for a touchdown.

Overall, Diontae Johnson is a very solid addition to the Steelers high-powered offense. He is meticulous with his routes and avoids contact with his small space elusiveness. I believe Johnson when he says he didn’t practice his 40-yard dash time.

No speed concerns for me. Buffalo corner #39 Cameron Lewis runs a similar 40-time and Johnson burns by him.

Oh yeah, Johnson is also deadly on special teams.

Diontae Johnson was reportedly higher on NFL teams draft lists than almost all draft analysists. The Steelers heavily scouted him during the draft process and as mentioned earlier, Darryl Drake loves him. Johnson was quoted as saying he already felt like a Steeler before the pick was made.

He’s a true outside receiver, rarely working from the slot, but wherever the Steelers decide to feature him, there is no doubt he can contribute early to this team.