What are reasonable expectations for Steelers WR Diontae Johnson?

Steelers rookie wide receiver Diontae Johnson will begin his NFL career with a huge opportunity to make an immediate contribution to Pittsburgh’s offense in 2019.

All eyes will be on the Pittsburgh Steelers offense in 2019, and for good reason. Gone are WR Antonio Brown and RB Le’Veon Bell, and someone (or an army of players) has to replace their lost production.

One wide receiver who will be called upon to fill some of that void is rookie third-round pick, Diontae Johnson. The former Toledo standout has been praised by the coaching staff and front office as a player capable of making an immediate impact since the selection was made.

“Diontae Johnson is a nice insider-, outside-capable receiver that does both punt and kick returns,” Steelers GM Kevin Colbert said shortly after draft weekend. “When we talked about Diontae in our meetings, Phil Kreidler, our scouting coordinator, when he read his report on Diontae was just kind of funny. I know Coach Drake used the same terms, but (Kreidler) must’ve said ‘natural’ five times.

“It’s just what we believe, that this kid is just a natural football talent.”

Johnson had something of an up-and-down career at Toledo. His best season came in 2017 when he caught 74 passes for 1,278 yards and 13 touchdowns. His production dropped in 2018 to just 49 catches for 761 yards and eight scores.