3 reasons Steelers Chase Claypool will have a better season than Johnson

Diontae Johnson’s role expanded out of need Claypool’s won’t

Diontae Johnson got a large increase in usage in 2020. Yet, it wasn’t due to a desire to get the ball to him, it was because he could get open quick. The Steelers were forced to make a lot of short throws and hope that the wide receivers could make something happen. Johnson’s increase in targets came out of being forced to run their offense like this.

Claypool meanwhile will take on a role that the Steelers didn’t get to utilize a lot in 2020. That is a deep threat. The Steelers are going to be running more play-action this season due to the drafting of Najee Harris. This should give Claypool the time to establish himself downfield. Pittsburgh will be working towards getting him the ball rather than being forced to as they were in 2020 with Johnson.

I’m not saying #18 played horribly in 2020, but the Steelers weren’t afforded the opportunity to put players in the best position to thrive. Johnson was forced to take on this role as opposing defenses were allowing the short throws and would focus on tackling the ball carrier. They would keep the ball in front of them and it started resulting in fewer points for the Steelers.

With Claypool’s role expanding for the right reasons, things are looking up for the Steelers. Mapletron is primed for a breakout sophomore year more so than Diontae Johnson was in 2020.