Let’s talk about Dionte Johnson. At 66th in the draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers could have traded a 7th round pick to move up and snag the 6’3” 228 lb WR DK Metcalf, who also ran a 4.33 40 yard dash. They passed on the 6’5 Hakeem Butler and EDGE rusher Chase Winovich. For a 5’10 WR out of Toledo. The Steelers aren’t trying to replace Antonio Brown. They’re trying to get the next Antonio Brown.
But I don’t hate it. As a smaller outside receiver, Johnson is well-rounded and a play maker with the ball in the hands. The young receiver will probably be the kick and punt returner for the team from Day 1, as well. He’s slippery with the ball in his hand, and while a 4.53 40 isn’t great, his play speed is outstanding.
Final take: I still prefer the aforementioned Metcalf, Butler, and Winovich. And Johnson was a slight reach. But at this point, we should trust Kevin Colbert’s evaluation and decision making with WRs. He’s done it time and time again. Even their recent “failure “ is far from that. James Washington has proven to be insanely talented, and struggles only from confidence issues. Overall, solid pick, could have been better. Grade: B-
Justin Layne. At 83. Steal. Layne is a Steelers cornerback. Large, physical, high ceiling. Definitely a developmental guy, but an amazing value at the latter end of the 3rd. Tremendous ball skills, and with Joe Haden and Steven Nelson securing the starting spots for now, Layne will definitely have the time to clean his game up. Great job filling in a need for the team.
A look at tommorrow:
Team needs - S, EDGE, RB, TE
My predictions:
Round 4: Deionte Thompson (S)
Round 5: Benny Snell (RB)
Round 6: Andrew Van Ginkel (EDGE)
Round 6: Caleb Wilson/Isaac Nauta (TE)
Round 7: Alex Bars (IOL)
Round 7: John Baron II (K)
UDFA targets:
Lil’Jordan Humphrey (WR)
Wes Hills (RB)
Stephen Denmark (CB)
Felton Davis (WR)
Jah’Shawn Johnson (S)
James Gardner (WR)
Mac Loudermilk (P)
