Diontae Johnson

The ADP market believes that Mitchell Trubisky or Kenny Pickett can take the Steelers to the fantasy promised land. I am not as optimistic.

The best-case scenario for the Steelers' No. 1 wide receiver is seeing a boatload of targets - albeit inefficient like last season when he ranked second in that category - to deliver for fantasy.

Whether it's Trubisky or the rookie under center, that is the reality with DJ. Let's not forget that last year's heavily-coveted rookie quarterback class produced almost zero reliable options outside of Brandin Cooks (WR20), Jakobi Meyers (WR33) and Kendrick Bourne (WR30).

So with a top-15 early best ball ADP in an offense with more competition for targets between Chase Claypool, Pat Freiermuth, George Pickens and Calvin Austin III, I would need Johnson to fall significantly in drafts before selecting him.

Diontae Johnson finds the end zone in Wild Card loss

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson caught 5-of-10 targets for 34 yards and a touchdown in a 42-21 Wild Card loss to the Chiefs on Sunday.

Fantasy Impact

Johnson, per usual, led the Steelers in targets in the contest. His touchdown came on a 13-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger in the third quarter. Johnson could be even better in 2022 with the Steelers expected to get an upgrade at the QB position after Roethlisberger departs. For now, he can be penciled in as a low-end WR1 in fantasy drafts for the upcoming season.