Diontae Johnson all business early, says plan is simple: 'Get to the Super Bowl'

[Hunter Homistek]

This guy intrigues the hell out of me. I've had the chance to speak with Diontae Johnson a few times, and I'm still not exactly sure what to make of him. He has the kind of cool, calm demeanor that makes me think he's just a gamer. He's not ruffled by anything, and I haven't seen much personality to be honest. Which could be a great, great thing.

You can read my latest on him right here, again, FOR FREE.

Hope you all enjoy!

 

[bermudasteel]

Many thanks Hunter! Diontae Johnson has grown on me tremendously, since the pick and my personal investigations on him as a person and player. The kid just fits. Many of us scratched our heads at the announcement (considering the 'other' names on the board at the time); but we shall see the proof in the pudding this season and years to come (hopefully).

I've come up with a nickname for him (once he's proven) - Just Do It

So let it be written - so let it be done...

 

[slashsteel]

Seems like he has a low key demeanor by the video.Which I agree that looks like he is simply 100 percent focused. Watt gave me that vibe in training camp year 1. I would see him out of the gym going straight to the field. If you wanted an autograph you would have to wait until after practice. And you might get one if you were lucky. He just was all business. Not a bad approach to attacking what is in front of you. Focus in...................

 

[Bobby Bufford]

Many thanks Hunter! Diontae Johnson has grown on me tremendously, since the pick and my personal investigations on him as a person and player. The kid just fits. Many of us scratched our heads at the announcement (considering the 'other' names on the board at the time); but we shall see the proof in the pudding this season and years to come (hopefully).
..

No we won't. He's just a rookie, like Washington was last year. Rookies are generally lost, the majority of the time.

As a rookie, Washington had 16 rec for 217 yds. Unless there is a rash of injuries, I'd expect DJ to put up similar #'s.

JuJu, Moncrief, Washington, Vance and Switz will all get more targets than DJ, giving him a low amount of chances. Plus, Ben is more comfortable with ALL 5 targets in front of him. Add in dump offs to the backs, and it just doesn't give DJ a lot of touches, which is no indictment on his potential in the future.

 

[steelhurt]

No we won't. He's just a rookie, like Washington was last year. Rookies are generally lost, the majority of the time.

As a rookie, Washington had 16 rec for 217 yds. Unless there is a rash of injuries, I'd expect DJ to put up similar #'s.

JuJu, Moncrief, Washington, Vance and Switz will all get more targets than DJ, giving him a low amount of chances. Plus, Ben is more comfortable with ALL 5 targets in front of him. Add in dump offs to the backs, and it just doesn't give DJ a lot of touches, which is no indictment on his potential in the future.

So Bobby, you’re saying because he’s a rookie, don’t expect much? Ju Ju was a rookie a couple years back and posted some impressive numbers. Yeah, I remember Ju Ju not looking too lost, having a great work ethic, taking in as much as he could and I see those traits in this kid as well.


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[Steeltime]

So Bobby, you’re saying because he’s a rookie, don’t expect much? Ju Ju was a rookie a couple years back and posted some impressive numbers. Yeah, I remember Ju Ju not looking too lost, having a great work ethic, taking in as much as he could and I see those traits in this kid as well.

Agreed. Washington did not play much because he was not good enough to play over JuJu, AB, etc. His lack of playing time had little to do with his experience level. Now, we can argue that experience = knowledge = playing time, but lack of experience does NOT equal lack of skill and productivity.

 

[bermudasteel]

No we won't. He's just a rookie, like Washington was last year. Rookies are generally lost, the majority of the time.

As a rookie, Washington had 16 rec for 217 yds. Unless there is a rash of injuries, I'd expect DJ to put up similar #'s.

JuJu, Moncrief, Washington, Vance and Switz will all get more targets than DJ, giving him a low amount of chances. Plus, Ben is more comfortable with ALL 5 targets in front of him. Add in dump offs to the backs, and it just doesn't give DJ a lot of touches, which is no indictment on his potential in the future.

I'm not comparing Diontae to Julio - but, you made me go there...when given the chance - rookie WR's have a huge advantage over defenses - because NO ONE HAS TAPE ON THEM. There are many more guys I can add, but he's some football information for you. I know that the *'s don't have many rookie WR's for you to compare this to, but eh, that's your problem.

Julio's rookie stats in 2011:

http://www.nfl.com/player/juliojones/2495454/careerstats

Explain why you want to compare Johnson to Washington and the kid hasn't even taken a step on the field during a game? Read more. Football scouts, paid analysts have more insight on the topic and Hunter brings those same facts out in his article. Did you read it?

Need more proof of amazing rookies? Randy Moss says, "hi".

http://www.nfl.com/player/randymoss/2502220/careerstats

Look at his 1999 stats. Again, both WR's (and there are many more) were given the opportunity to excel. You don't know, nor do I, how this plays out. I choose to look at this with optimism...

 

[CoolieMan]

No we won't. He's just a rookie, like Washington was last year. Rookies are generally lost, the majority of the time.

As a rookie, Washington had 16 rec for 217 yds. Unless there is a rash of injuries, I'd expect DJ to put up similar #'s.

JuJu, Moncrief, Washington, Vance and Switz will all get more targets than DJ, giving him a low amount of chances. Plus, Ben is more comfortable with ALL 5 targets in front of him. Add in dump offs to the backs, and it just doesn't give DJ a lot of touches, which is no indictment on his potential in the future.

all rookies are not the same...as was pointed out JuJu did pretty well for a rookie....

If he flashes skill in camp and can consistently be in the right spot when his number is called, Ben will learn to trust him and he could post solid numbers.

Or he could stink up the place and ride the pine all season..

At this point we just don't know how he will turn out

 

[SteveA]

No we won't. He's just a rookie, like Washington was last year. Rookies are generally lost, the majority of the time.

As a rookie, Washington had 16 rec for 217 yds. Unless there is a rash of injuries, I'd expect DJ to put up similar #'s.

JuJu, Moncrief, Washington, Vance and Switz will all get more targets than DJ, giving him a low amount of chances. Plus, Ben is more comfortable with ALL 5 targets in front of him. Add in dump offs to the backs, and it just doesn't give DJ a lot of touches, which is no indictment on his potential in the future.

I am hoping your projection is a tad low....I think he will get more opportunities than Washington did for 3 very big reasons. #1 AB is gone #2. He is already an excellent route runner & will be in the spots he's supposed to be, thus making him a quick favorite of Big Ben #3. He will get an opportunity in the kicking game to shine. If he shines there, he will get noticed & they will find him more usage elsewhere

 

[Bobby Bufford]

So Bobby, you’re saying because he’s a rookie, don’t expect much? Ju Ju was a rookie a couple years back and posted some impressive numbers. Yeah, I remember Ju Ju not looking too lost, having a great work ethic, taking in as much as he could and I see those traits in this kid as well.

Yes, JuJu was the exception, but not the norm. And JuJu came from a big time program, DJ? Not so much.

In JuJu's college games, they were every bit as "big time" as NFL games. USC averages 20,000 more people at home games than the Steelers do.

So it wasn't a big shock for JuJu to suit up in the NFL.

But how do other rookies generally do?

Well, some names you may know...

Hines Ward. 15 rec, 246 yds
Yancey Thigpen, 0-0 rookie, 1 for 2 his second season.
Cris Carter, 5 for 84
Antonio Brown, 16 for 167.
Ernie Mills, 3 - 79.
Ryan Switzer 6 - 41.
Lynn Swann, 11 - 208.

Others like Santonio Holmes produced as a rookie, but not when there were so many producers in front of him like DJ has. And Holmes also came from a huge program too, OSU.

 

[stevielee]

Yes, JuJu was the exception, but not the norm. And JuJu came from a big time program, DJ? Not so much.

In JuJu's college games, they were every bit as "big time" as NFL games. USC averages 20,000 more people at home games than the Steelers do.

So it wasn't a big shock for JuJu to suit up in the NFL.

But how do other rookies generally do?

Well, some names you may know...

Hines Ward. 15 rec, 246 yds
Yancey Thigpen, 0-0 rookie, 1 for 2 his second season.
Cris Carter, 5 for 84
Antonio Brown, 16 for 167.
Ernie Mills, 3 - 79.
Ryan Switzer 6 - 41.
Lynn Swann, 11 - 208.

Others like Santonio Holmes produced as a rookie, but not when there were so many producers in front of him like DJ has. And Holmes also came from a huge program too, OSU.

Not sure what program he came from makes much of a difference. Didn't Randy Moss play for Marshall?

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[slashsteel]

Yes, JuJu was the exception, but not the norm.

Edwards, Juju,, Mike Wallace,Charles Johnson, Lipps, and Martavis Bryant all had good rookie years.

I now return you to the previously ignorant WR opinion.....

 

[bermudasteel]

Yes, JuJu was the exception, but not the norm. And JuJu came from a big time program, DJ? Not so much.

In JuJu's college games, they were every bit as "big time" as NFL games. USC averages 20,000 more people at home games than the Steelers do.

So it wasn't a big shock for JuJu to suit up in the NFL.

But how do other rookies generally do?

Well, some names you may know...

Hines Ward. 15 rec, 246 yds
Yancey Thigpen, 0-0 rookie, 1 for 2 his second season.
Cris Carter, 5 for 84
Antonio Brown, 16 for 167.
Ernie Mills, 3 - 79.
Ryan Switzer 6 - 41.
Lynn Swann, 11 - 208.

Others like Santonio Holmes produced as a rookie, but not when there were so many producers in front of him like DJ has. And Holmes also came from a huge program too, OSU.

I guess you choose not to look at Randy Moss' stats. Fair enough - his rookie stats are the G.O.A.T:

Rookie season stats: 69 receptions, 1,313 yards, 17 TDs

 

[Coryea]

Ward had Kordell Stewart throwing him the ball, in a run first league, hell all those guys you listed played when it was run first and it wasn't as wide open and geared toward the offenses like is today, except AB, and he was a 6th round guy behind Ward, Wallace, Sanders, Miller, etc.

 

[wig]

Didn't Randy Moss play for Marshall?

************ sure did.

He single handed beat my MT Grizzlies in a national championship one year.

 

[bermudasteel]

Edwards, Juju,, Mike Wallace,Charles Johnson, Lipps, and Martavis Bryant all had good rookie years.

I now return you to the previously ignorant WR opinion.....

Notice that he has NOTHING to say about Randy Moss.

Even if Diontae takes Antonio Brown's route (and I really don't see him 'not beating Rogers, Switzer and possibly Washington by the bye); Ben has already given the kid props on his "football in shorts" production.

 

[Ike Kelly]

No we won't. He's just a rookie, like Washington was last year. Rookies are generally lost, the majority of the time.

As a rookie, Washington had 16 rec for 217 yds. Unless there is a rash of injuries, I'd expect DJ to put up similar #'s.

JuJu, Moncrief, Washington, Vance and Switz will all get more targets than DJ, giving him a low amount of chances. Plus, Ben is more comfortable with ALL 5 targets in front of him. Add in dump offs to the backs, and it just doesn't give DJ a lot of touches, which is no indictment on his potential in the future.

Not an appropriate comparison, since JW was playing with AB and JuJu.

There is no AB and his production this year, so something will fill the void. JuJu and whomever steps up. Most likely 2 receivers. We don’t know about Moncrief yet....so JW or DJ could be one of the two or both. DJ will have a significant more chances than JW last year.


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[bermudasteel]

Not an appropriate comparison, since JW was playing with AB and JuJu.

There is no AB and his production this year, so something will fill the void. JuJu and whomever steps up. Most likely 2 receivers. We don’t know about Moncrief yet....so JW or DJ could be one of the two or both. DJ will have a significant more chances than JW last year.


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Damn it, Ike! I've told you about adding factual comments to the thread. Now we won't break 20 pages!!!

 

[Ike Kelly]

Yes, JuJu was the exception, but not the norm. And JuJu came from a big time program, DJ? Not so much.

In JuJu's college games, they were every bit as "big time" as NFL games. USC averages 20,000 more people at home games than the Steelers do.

So it wasn't a big shock for JuJu to suit up in the NFL.

But how do other rookies generally do?

Well, some names you may know...

Hines Ward. 15 rec, 246 yds
Yancey Thigpen, 0-0 rookie, 1 for 2 his second season.
Cris Carter, 5 for 84
Antonio Brown, 16 for 167.
Ernie Mills, 3 - 79.
Ryan Switzer 6 - 41.
Lynn Swann, 11 - 208.

Others like Santonio Holmes produced as a rookie, but not when there were so many producers in front of him like DJ has. And Holmes also came from a huge program too, OSU.

You’ve actually disproven your own point.....see below.

Hines Ward - Charles Johnson/ Courtney Hawkins starters 130 catches between them. Plus Blackwell with another 30.

Yancey - Dwight Stone/ Ernie Mills/ Jeff Graham 120+ catches from all three

Cris Carter was behind Mike Quick and Kenny Jackson. FYI John Spagnola (TE) was third in catches behind Quick and Toney (RB)
Randall Cunningham led the team in rushing yards.

AB - seriously? Behind Hines and Mike Wallace...with Heath catching 42 balls?

Ernie Mills - Behind Louis Lipps/ Dwight Stone and Eric Green. Hoge had 49 catches.

Switz? AB/JuJu/Vanimal and Conner...........

Lynn Swann - stuck behind Frank Lewis and Ron Shanklin (Stallworth was a rook too), not to mention they didn’t pass as much in those days.

So none of these players had a vacant WR position to replace the teams No 1 spot.

You going to sit there and make comparisons to DJ and this year?


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[Omar10213245]

anyone here ever have the cherry vanilla ice cream from haagen dazs? damned good.

 

[Steelworth]

If DJ can be the route runner they say he is showing to be in camp, and make a splash play or two in the return game, he can definitely be a contributor. Ben is going to have JuJu, Vance, Moncrief, Washington & the guys out of the backfield so that may make it a little hard for him to eat, but if he's in the right spots on the field and gains Ben's trust early, you never know.

Don't rule anything out until you see them in game-time action.

 

[Black & Gold Bleeder]

 

[steelhurt]

Yes, JuJu was the exception, but not the norm. And JuJu came from a big time program, DJ? Not so much.

In JuJu's college games, they were every bit as "big time" as NFL games. USC averages 20,000 more people at home games than the Steelers do.

So it wasn't a big shock for JuJu to suit up in the NFL.

But how do other rookies generally do?

Well, some names you may know...

Hines Ward. 15 rec, 246 yds
Yancey Thigpen, 0-0 rookie, 1 for 2 his second season.
Cris Carter, 5 for 84
Antonio Brown, 16 for 167.
Ernie Mills, 3 - 79.
Ryan Switzer 6 - 41.
Lynn Swann, 11 - 208.

Others like Santonio Holmes produced as a rookie, but not when there were so many producers in front of him like DJ has. And Holmes also came from a huge program too, OSU.

That’s crazy logic you do know that,correct?

AB as someone pointed out as a sixth round pick was behind multiple veteran receivers so as the sixth receiver it’s not like he had many opportunities.
Geez, and as pointed out, Moss came from Marshall and put up pretty good stats his rookie season.

You cannot say that D.Johnson will be insignificant his rookie year because he played at a MAC school. This kid has the attitude, work ethic, desire, and the talent to help us significantly this season.

Holy **** Ben was rookie of the year and led this team to the AFCC game a year removed from a MAC school.

Are you sure you’re not Coach incognito???


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[Vader]

Where is he going to play? Honest question. Can he play in the slot? If he is an outside only WR then he'll be limited unless there is an injury.

 

[Bobby Bufford]

That’s crazy logic you do know that,correct?

AB as someone pointed out as a sixth round pick was behind multiple veteran receivers so as the sixth receiver it’s not like he had many opportunities.
Geez, and as pointed out, Moss came from Marshall and put up pretty good stats his rookie season.

You cannot say that D.Johnson will be insignificant his rookie year because he played at a MAC school. This kid has the attitude, work ethic, desire, and the talent to help us significantly this season.

Holy **** Ben was rookie of the year and led this team to the AFCC game a year removed from a MAC school.

Are you sure you’re not Coach incognito???

OK, mentioning he was from a small school was only ONE point I made why it's likely he won't produce much as a rookie - just ONE.

And your counter - on that point - was to reference maybe the most talented WR to ever play the game as a counter-point. If there isn't a bigger exception to the average WR rookie season than Moss, I don't know who is.

Are you actually going to sit there, with a straight face, and use Moss as an example to what happens with a rookie WR in the NFL?

Do you think DJ has anywhere near Moss ability?

Moss speed, height and hands were out of this world. Or as Todd Haley said of Bryant, "He has alien skills."

I maintain DJ will put up typical rookie #'s, like 15-25 grabs. And we shouldn't expect much else. That's all.