Steelers WR Diontae Johnson Discusses Mentorship, Special Relationship With Star George Pickens

The Pittsburgh Steelers offense is expected to take a step forward in 2023. Quarterback Kenny Pickett is a big reason for that, as he is set to enter his second season. Additionally though, the team has the talent at the skill positions to take that step forward. Wideouts George Pickens and Diontae Johnson are apart of that, as they are the top two weapons in the offense.

Pickens, like Pickett, is expected to ascend into stardom in his second NFL season in 2023. As for Johnson, well, he feels like he’s got something to prove. Despite another solid 86-catch campaign in 2022, he was held without a touchdown. Still, it feels it’s as important to value the leadership role that he has in the wide receiver room. In his appearance on the Steel Here podcast, Johnson talked about his mentorship of Pickens.

“Yeah, I would say that," Johnson answered on if he's picked up a mentorship role with Pickens. "He's [Pickens] learning on the daily. Only thing I can do is continue to just be that leader and that big brother for him. I see him like my little brother. Steady showing him the ropes, how to be a better NFL receiver and what not. I feel like we've gotten a lot closer [this year]. Everywhere I go, he's with me. Like I say, 'Gin and Juice.'"

In case you've missed it, the duo has adopted that nickname: Gin and Juice. A fan first suggested it to them on X (Twitter), and Johnson loved it. Johnson's nickname over the years has been "Juice," so it works out. Of course, the nickname is in reference to Snoop Dogg's legendary hit track titled the same. Anyways, the chemistry off the field should only help the Steelers on the field.

If there's a thing or two that Pickens could learn from Johnson, it would be route running. Despite a stellar rookie season that included 801 receiving yards and four touchdowns, his flaws were exposed at times. He established himself as a contested catch connoisseur, but his route running still needs some refinement. ESPN's analytics backed this up, as the two wideouts were on opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of separation.

Do Steelers Have Good Enough Duo At Wide Receiver?

Over the past few seasons, Johnson was the longest-tenured Steeler player in the wide receiver room. He was also one of the older ones, which meant he had to pick up responsibilities as a leader. That especially happened after the 2021 season when Ben Roethlisberger retired. The offense lacked a clear leader, as guys like Najee Harris, Mason Cole, and Johnson picked up the slack in 2022.

The team acquired Allen Robinson this offseason, who will be entering his 10th season in the NFL. He's already played a key leadership role in the wideout room, as does Johnson. Additionally, Pickett has picked up the slack a ton in that department. In fact, he was the only member of the offense to be named a captain for the 2023 squad earlier in the week.

It still seems like a part of Johnson's game that goes a bit under-the-radar. Crazily enough, he is set to enter the fifth season of his NFL career now. Until his newest contract extension runs dry, we'll see just how good that duo of Pickens and Johnson becomes. One thing is clear: they have built plenty of chemistry this offseason that should help them on game days this fall.

What are your expectations on Johnson's 2023 campaign after a difficult 2022 season? Do you think this duo is good enough to help the offense ascend? Can they become one of the better wide receiver duos in the NFL? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, yinz!

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