The Steelers are expected to focus on finding a replacement for Diontae Johnson.
Over the last ten years, the Pittsburgh Steelers have selected numerous wide receivers in the second round. But not since Santonio Holmes in 2006 have the Steelers chosen a wide receiver in the first round.
However, Matt Miller of ESPN predicted that the Steelers would break through with a first-round receiver. In his most recent mock draft, Miller selected Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze to the Steelers at No. 14.
According to Miller’s assessment of the prospective selection, Odunze has the potential to eventually succeed Diontae Johnson.
There is space on the depth chart for Pittsburgh to add a physical, downfield threat with exceptional after-the-catch ability because Diontae Johnson’s contract expires at the end of 2024, according to Miller. “Odunze has spent the last three seasons as Washington’s top wide receiver, recording 25 touchdown receptions and establishing himself as one of the sport’s most physically powerful receivers.
“The 6-foot-3, 215-pound Odunze could team up with George Pickens to create a dynamic duo that would compete in the AFC North with Cincinnati’s wide receiver group.”
Odunze recorded 81 receptions for 1,428 yards and 13 touchdowns for Washington in 13 games this season. His yardage per catch average was 17.6.
How Rome Odunze Would Fit With the Steelers:
A number of wide receivers are expected to be selected in the 2024 draft class, according to draft experts. In fact, in his most recent NFL mock draft, Miller predicted that eight wide receivers would be chosen in the first round.
That would surpass the previous best of seven wideouts selected in the first round of the 2004 draft.
However, Odunze is regarded as one of the greatest of the best. Odunze is ranked as the third-best receiver in the 2024 class by ESPN’s consensus rankings, behind only Marvin Harrison Jr. and Malik Nabers.
Odunze is ranked as the third-best wideout in the upcoming draft class by both Bleacher Report and Pro Football Focus.
Among the top 10 players available in the 2024 draft, Odunze is listed on the big boards at all three media outlets.
Odunze, at 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, possesses amazing strength and size. If he is paired with the 6-foot-3, 200-pound George Pickens, the Steelers will have two large receivers on rookie contracts.
Could Odunze Take Diontae Johnson’s Place as the Experienced Wide Receiver?
Naturally, the question is whether the Steelers’ decision to select Odunze or any other receiver in the first round signals that they will let Johnson go.
Johnson’s contract expires at the end of 2024, as Miller previously mentioned. Johnson was a very effective player from 2020 to 22; in each season, he recorded at least 86 receptions and 880 yards. However, this season, the veteran has stirred up a lot of controversy.
However, Odunze is regarded as one of the greatest of the best. Odunze is ranked as the third-best receiver in the 2024 class by ESPN’s consensus rankings, behind only Marvin Harrison Jr. and Malik Nabers.
Odunze is ranked as the third-best wideout in the upcoming draft class by both Bleacher Report and Pro Football Focus.
Among the top 10 players available in the 2024 draft, Odunze is listed on the big boards at all three media outlets.
Odunze, at 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, possesses amazing strength and size. If he is paired with the 6-foot-3, 200-pound George Pickens, the Steelers will have two large receivers on rookie contracts.
Could Odunze Take Diontae Johnson’s Place as the Experienced Wide Receiver?
Naturally, the question is whether the Steelers’ decision to select Odunze or any other receiver in the first round signals that they will let Johnson go.
Johnson’s contract expires at the end of 2024, as Miller previously mentioned. Johnson was a very effective player from 2020 to 22; in each season, he recorded at least 86 receptions and 880 yards. However, this season, the veteran has stirred up a lot of controversy.
The most significant criticism Johnson received was for showing a lack of effort on a fumble in Week 12. After Week 11, he was also allegedly at the center of an altercation in the team locker room.
Before then, following a defeat in Week 8, Johnson did not take responsibility. Rather than bemoaning his own blunder on the opening play from scrimmage, he held the officials accountable for the loss.
Miller is not the first mock draft expert to suggest the Steelers use the draft to replace Johnson, given all those controversies.
Dan Brugler of The Athletic wrote on November 29 that Diontae Johnson’s time in Pittsburgh might be limited given the way things are going with him. “The Steelers have the best record of any team drafting receivers outside the first round, but Thomas has exceptional size (6-4, 205), speed, and tracking ability, so it would be difficult to pass on him.”
In order to secure a new contract in Pittsburgh, Johnson might need to assist in guiding the Steelers out of their current funk and produce impressive results with backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky in the final stretch.
