4 Steelers receivers could lead the team in 4 different categories in 2021

The Steelers have a unique group of receivers that could each lead the team in a different category in 2021.

Since Antonio Brown forced the Steelers hand to trade him during the 2019 offseason, Pittsburgh has been lacking a true number one receiver. After a terrific sophomore campaign in 2018, many thought that JuJu Smith-Schuster would be the next in a long line of great receivers for the Steelers, but he wasn’t able to live up to lofty expectations as the top target.

Though Pittsburgh may be lacking a true ‘number one’ receiver at the moment, they have a promising young blend of pass-catchers who each bring something a little different to the table. It doesn’t happen often, but I think each of their top four receivers will have a good chance to each lead one major statistical category for the Steelers this offseason. Here’s the area each receiver could lead the team in 2021:

Diontae Johnson: Receptions

I can’t put my finger on it exactly (especially not after a disappointing 2020 season), but Ben Roethlisberger just loves throwing to Diontae Johnson. The former Toledo product was banged up early in the season, but that didn’t stop him from leading the team in targets with 144 throws in his direction.

Last year, it was JuJu Smith-Schuster who ultimately outpaced Johnson for the team lead in receptions with 97 compared to his 88. However, if Johnson can cut back on the drops and stay healthy, this is a category that is easily attainable for the young receiver in 2021. Ben loves throwing to receivers that can get open, and I would almost be surprised if Johnson isn’t the receptions leader for the team this year.