Diontae Johnson Fantasy Stock Rises with Dalton: A Breakout in the Making?
The Pittsburgh Steelers' offense has been a rollercoaster this season, but one player consistently making waves is Diontae Johnson. The young wide receiver, known for his route-running prowess and reliable hands, has seen his fantasy stock soar alongside the emergence of Kenny Pickett as the starting quarterback. However, with Pickett's recent injury, the spotlight has shifted to Mitch Trubisky, and the question on many fantasy minds is: Will Diontae Johnson maintain his fantasy value with Trubisky at the helm?
Trubisky's Impact on Johnson
The initial reaction to Trubisky's return was cautious. Many fans and analysts feared a regression for Johnson, citing Trubisky's perceived lack of dynamism compared to Pickett. However, the early returns are promising. In his first game back, Trubisky targeted Johnson a whopping 14 times, resulting in 8 receptions for 98 yards. This was a significant increase from Johnson's average targets under Pickett.
Trubisky's Strengths Align with Johnson's Game
While Trubisky might not possess the same arm talent as Pickett, he offers strong accuracy and a penchant for targeting his receivers underneath. This plays perfectly into Johnson's strengths. Johnson is an exceptional route-runner with the ability to create separation and consistently get open in intermediate areas of the field. This makes him a perfect target for Trubisky's accurate throws.
Johnson's Ceiling Remains High
It's crucial to note that while Johnson thrived with Pickett, his potential hasn't been fully realized. The Steelers' offense still has room for improvement, and with Trubisky at the helm, a more consistent passing attack could be in the making.
Here are some reasons to be optimistic about Johnson's fantasy future:
- Trubisky's accuracy and reliance on short to intermediate throws benefit Johnson's strengths.
- The Steelers' offense has a strong running game, which could open up opportunities for Johnson in the passing game.
- The defense is strong, forcing opponents to play catch-up and rely on passing, creating more opportunities for Johnson.
Concerns and Considerations
While the outlook for Johnson is positive, it's not without some concerns:
- Trubisky's arm strength might limit Johnson's big-play potential.
- The Steelers' offensive line struggles could affect Trubisky's ability to find Johnson consistently.
The Bottom Line
Diontae Johnson's fantasy stock has taken a positive turn with the return of Trubisky. While Pickett's absence might impact the Steelers' offensive dynamism, Johnson's route-running ability and Trubisky's passing style could lead to a productive partnership.
Fantasy owners should remain confident in Johnson's ability to deliver consistent production, making him a valuable asset in all fantasy formats.
