Five WRs In NFL Draft Who Can Help Steelers Replace Diontae Johnson’s Route Running

Diontae Johnson had his flaws, like most players, but he was among the best route runners in the NFL. He consistently ranked near the top of the league in average separation and provided clean targeting for Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks during his five seasons with the team. Last season, when Johnson returned from injury, coach Mike Tomlin said he was happy to have an “experienced” route runner back.

“He is an expert route runner. Vertical, not vertical. It can create separation at breakpoints,” Tomlin said at a news conference. posted on the team website.

With Johnson transferred to the Carolina Panthers, the Steelers need a receiver opposite George Pickens. If they’re looking for a similar skill set to what Johnson brought to the team, here are five good options who excel at route running. These aren’t necessarily the five best route runners in the class. I’m focused on prospects who have a realistic chance of landing in Pittsburgh on the second and third days of the draft.

LADD MCCONKEY – GEORGIA

Projected round: 2

McConkey could very well be off the board when the Steelers pick 51st overall, but there are plenty of talented receivers. Someone has to fall below the expected place. He would be an excellent choice as WR2 opposite Pickens and has the ability to play inside the slot or outside.

Here’s what Alex Kozora had to say about McConkey’s route in his scouting report:

“As a route runner, he is fluid and nuanced, capable of creating space at the breaking point. He’s able to make cornerbacks look foolish at the top of his route.”

ROMAN WILSON – MICHIGAN

Projected Round: 2

In a similar boat to McConkey, Wilson may not make it to No. 51. If he does, he would be a perfect candidate to replace Johnson’s skill set. He has great acceleration throughout his route, and his route running was the talk of the 2024 Senior Bowl. A large contingent was at Michigan’s pro day, including GM Omar Khan, HC Mike Tomlin, and OC Arthur Smith.

Here’s what Jonathan Heitritter wrote about his route in his scouting report:

“Roman Wilson is a well-rounded receiver who brings the skill set of a nuanced route runner as well as the athleticism to win vertically down the field and after the catch.”

Check out this one-on-one replay at the Senior Bowl against top prospect Quinyon Mitchell.

RICKY PEARSALL JR. – FLORIDA

Projected Round: 2

Pearsall has a good chance of being available at age 51, mainly because he primarily played that position in college. His cross training was excellent and he answered many questions about his long speed with a 4.41 second 40 yard dash. He has great speed on his routes and knows how to open up in zone coverage.

Here’s what I wrote about Pearsall in my scouting report:

“His release off the line is good and he has a package of moves that he likes to use to overcome press coverage and jams at the line of scrimmage. He has good quickness on his feet and moves his body well to get free on his routes.”

JALEN MCMILLAN – WASHINGTON

Projected Round: 3-4

McMillan had the advantage of playing alongside Rome Odunze and Ja’Lynn Polk, but was able to carve out a role with good speed on and off his breaks and good timing variation to throw off a DB’s pace. He also showed that he wasn’t afraid to run routes through traffic.

Here’s what Jonathan Heitritter wrote about his route in his scouting report:

“McMillan also does a great job of selling head fakes and jab steps when he gets to the top of his routes to fool the defenders charged with covering him and get that space to separate.”

BRENDEN RICE – USC

Projected Round: 3-4

It makes sense for many reasons. The Steelers have valued NFL lineages and the level of preparation that comes with it. They talked about it a little bit when Joey Porter Jr. was drafted. Rice, son of all-time great Jerry Rice, has good off-break acceleration and expanded his route tree a bit in his final college season. Being a late-round prospect, he is not as polished as the previous names, but he has the athleticism and drive to become a good NFL spacer.

Here’s what Jonathan Heitritter wrote about Brenden Rice:

“He violently attacks his breaks as a route runner, creating separation with sharp angles.”