Nov 26, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18) looks for a call from the official during the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Steelers Projected to Target Potential Diontae Johnson Replacement
The Pittsburgh Steelers have drafted a lot of wide receivers in the second round over the past decade. But the Steelers haven’t selected a wideout in the first round since Santonio Holmes in 2006.
ESPN’s Matt Miller, though, predicted the Steelers to end that first-round receiver drought. Miller slotted Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze to the Steelers at No. 14 in his latest mock draft.
In his analysis of the potential pick, Miller argued Odunze could eventually replace Diontae Johnson.
“Diontae Johnson’s contract expires at the end of 2024, so there’s room for Pittsburgh to add a physical, downfield threat with elite after-the-catch ability to the depth chart,” Miller wrote. “Odunze has been the WR1 at Washington for three seasons, catching 25 touchdowns in that time while proving himself to be one of the most physical wideouts in college football.
“The 6-foot-3, 215-pound Odunze could pair with George Pickens to form a duo that would rival Cincinnati’s WR group in the AFC North.”
In 13 games this season, Odunze posted 81 receptions for 1,428 yards and 13 touchdowns for Washington. He averaged 17.6 yards per catch.
How Rome Odunze Could Fit With the Steelers
Draft experts are predicting the 2024 draft class to feature a deep group of wide receivers. In fact, Miller projected eight wide receivers to be selected during the first round in his latest NFL mock draft.
That would break the previous record of seven first-round wideouts from the 2004 draft.
Odunze, though, is considered among the best of the best. ESPN’s consensus rankings has Odunze placed as the 2024 class’ third-best receiver behind only Marvin Harrison Jr. and Malik Nabers.
The draft rankings at Bleacher Report and Pro Football Focus also have Odunze as the third-best wideout in the upcoming draft class.
On the big boards at all three media outlets, Odunze sits among the top 10 players available in the 2024 draft.
At 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, Odunze has tremendous size and strength. Pairing him with George Pickens, who is 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, would give the Steelers two big receivers on rookie contracts.
