Is Diontae Johnson A Fantasy Football Starter? Unpacking the Steelers' Star Receiver

In the world of fantasy football, few players have captured the attention of owners and enthusiasts quite like Diontae Johnson. The Pittsburgh Steelers' star receiver has been a hot topic of discussion among fantasy players, with some dubbing him a surefire starter and others questioning his value. As we dive into the 2022 season, it's more important than ever to separate hype from reality and get an accurate read on Johnson's fantasy football potential.

At just 25 years old, Johnson has already established himself as one of the most dynamic wide receivers in the league. He's a threat to score every time he steps onto the field, boasting a robust combination of speed, agility, and ball skills. But is he a consistent enough fantasy performer to be counted on as a starter? Let's break down the numbers and explore the factors that could impact Johnson's fantasy value this season.

Johnson's Fantasy History

Last season, Johnson enjoyed a breakout campaign, hauling in 88 receptions for 915 yards and 8 touchdowns. He averaged an impressive 7.4 targets per game and consistently found himself open down the field. Fantasy owners who burned a draft pick on Johnson were rewarded with consistent production, making him a reliable every-week starter.

However, it's worth noting that Johnson's 2021 season was, to some extent, a product of circumstance. Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was pushed into retirement, and the Steelers pivoted to rookie signal-caller Kenny Pickett midway through the season. While Johnson benefited from Pickett's increased chemistry, it's unclear how Johnson's production would translate under a new quarterback.

Target Share and Positional Rank

One of the key factors that could impact Johnson's fantasy value is his target share within the Steelers' offense. Last season, Johnson commanded an average of 9.4 targets per game, which ranked him as the Steelers' clear primary target. However, some may argue that Johnson's production is dependent on the Steelers' quarterbacks, which could limit his upside.

Here are some numbers to consider:

* Johnson's average target share (2021): 34.1%

* Johnson's average air yards per target (2021): 10.2

* Johnson's average yards per reception (2021): 10.4

Johnson's target share and air yards per target suggest that he's a quarterback-dependent play, meaning his production may be affected by the Steelers' quarterback situation. However, Johnson's yards per reception suggests that he's a reliable target for Big Ben or Pickett, potentially limiting the impact of quarterback uncertainty on his production.

Comparison to Other WRs

So where does Johnson rank among other wide receivers in terms of fantasy value? Let's compare his 2021 production to some of the top WRs in the league:

* **WRs with 85+ receptions in 2021:**

+ Stevie Johnson ( BUF ): 141 receptions, 1,469 yards, 10 TDs

+ Sterling Shepard (NYG): 82 receptions, 942 yards, 2 TDs

+ DJ Moore (CHI): 91 receptions, 1,027 yards, 8 TDs

* **WRs with 600+ fantasy points in 2021:**

+ Stevie Johnson (BUF): 668 fantasy points

+ DJ Moore (CHI): 607 fantasy points

+ Tyler Lockett (SEA): 602 fantasy points

Based on Johnson's 2021 production, it's fair to say that he's a solid mid-tier WR2 or a high-end WR3. While he may not have the same ceiling as elite WRs like Stevie Johnson or DJ Moore, Johnson's production is more consistent and reliable.

Steelers' Offense and Coaching Staff

The Steelers' offense under new head coach Mike Tomlin and TOP-heavy coordinator Matt Canada is shrouded in uncertainty. Without Roethlisberger, it's unclear how the offense will adapt, and Johnson's production may be affected by the presence of a new quarterback and coach. Some concerns include:

* **Quarterback change:** Will Pickett be sufficient, or will the Steelers pursue an offseason signing?

* **Coaching staff:** Will Canada's offense be a ground-and-pound, dominance-the-line approach or an attempt to balance between run and pass?

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