The Pittsburgh Steelers “fell in love” with Toledo Rockets wide receiver and kick returner Diontae Johnson before making him the 66th overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft.
Steelers receivers coach Darryl Drake revealed to 247Sports.com's Jim Wexell (via his colleague Bryan Deardo) new Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians (a former Steelers offensive coordinator) called him names for drafting Johnson. Drake knew the Bucs were going to take Johnson with their next pick.
"I've been doing this for 40 years and he was one of the best interviews and guys I've been around in a long time" — high praise for Diontae Johnson from #Steelers WR coach Darryl Drake pic.twitter.com/W7b8jC9bdy
— Chase Williams (@chasepwilliams) April 27, 2019
Drake told 247Sports.com that he “fell in love” with Johnson during their pre-draft meetings.
“Not only is he a tremendous football player, but a tremendous young man. I basically fell in love with him after spending time with him and dining with him and talking to him and seeing his passion for the game, his passion for wanting to be great, and his passion for his teammates.
He did an outstanding job at Toledo, not only as a wide receiver but in multi positions, special teams as a returner. Just a tremendously gifted young man. The most natural catcher that I've seen in a while.”
While Drake admitted Johnson “doesn't have great timed speed,” he loves his elusiveness at the line of scrimmage. In Drake's opinion, Johnson's ability to separate himself from defenders makes him a special player.
#NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/2Xu3NUszQ1
— Diontae Johnson (@Juiceup__3) April 29, 2019
Drake also assured Steeler Nation that Johnson is someone they're going to be “very excited about,” per 247Sports.com.
If Johnson exceeds expectations, he can compete for the No. 2 receiver spot behind JuJu Smith-Schuster. Better yet, Steelers fans hope Johnson can help offset the loss of seven-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Antonio Brown to the Oakland Raiders.
Will Drake's words become prophetic? It should be interesting to find out.