All 90 is a Pittsburgh Steelers Now series profiling each of the 90 members of the Steelers 2022 offseason roster.
18 • Diontae Johnson, fourth-year wide receiver, Toledo
5-foot-10, 183 pounds
Acquired: The Steelers selected Johnson with the No. 66 overall pick in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
Last season: With JuJu Smith-Schuster suffered a season-shortening injury, Johnson became Ben Roethlisberger’s primary target in the passing gam. Johnson had the best season of his career, setting new highs in receptions (107), yards (1,161) and touchdowns (8). He was selected to his first Pro Bowl after the season.
Career: Johnson burst on the scene with a strong rookie season in 2019, catching 59 passes for 680 yards and five touchdowns despite a mixed-up quarterback situation that depressed the Steelers’ passing game overall.
In 2020, Johnson started 13 games for the Steelers in his second pro season and led the team in receiving yards with 923. Johnson grabbed 88 balls for a 10.5 yards per catch average and scored seven touchdowns, good third on the team.
While productive overall, Johnson had some drop issues crop up, with his 13 drops (per Pro Football Reference) not only leading the team, but as many as the next two receivers combined.
College: A two-year starter and two-time All-MAC selection as wide receiver and kicker returner for Toledo, Johnson had a school-record 1,278-yard, 13-touchdown redshirt sophomore season in 2017. He returned for his redshirt junior year in 2018 to add another 761 yards and eight scores, plus two return touchdowns.
Camp outlook: Johnson will be one of the team’s two outside wide receivers this season. Where Chase Claypool and rookie George Pickens fit in seems more up in the air, with both playing some in the slot, but Johnson is locked in as WR1 for 2022.
Future: Johnson is entering the final season of his rookie contract, which will pay him $2.79 million in 2022. He is seeking a contract extension before the start of the season.
The rest of the 90:
