One area to improve for each member of Steelers 2021 draft class

Steelers Johnson

Issue: Special Teams Ability

One of the only true unknowns left from this draft class, Buddy Johnson is in a tough spot heading into camp. Fourth rounds picks aren’t guaranteed much of anything in their second year, and he failed to do much when active last season. He only played 65 total snaps on defense and special teams between his four games active and he failed to look that great anywhere.

The linebacker room has filled out, as the team added Myles Jack to be a new starter and drafted Mark Robinson late to further add to the depth chart. With the top three spots set, Johnson needs to focus on making an impact on special teams before he can even think about defense. If he can’t thrive on coverage units, there is a real chance Johnson gets cut after camp.

That said, special teams is a place where Johnson should thrive. He was a tackling machine in college and tested well as an athlete. If he can carve out a good role there, he could contend for the fourth spot on the depth chart. From there, he can focus on overtaking Robert Spillane on defense. His immediate focus has to be on special teams though. If not, he won’t be with the Steelers for long this year.