Fansided

10 NFL players ready to become household names in 2020

By Russell S. Baxter

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 29: Running back Kenyan Drake #41 of the Arizona Cardinals carries the ball before he is stopped by linebacker Troy Reeder #51 of the Los Angeles Rams in the first quarter of the game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 29: Running back Kenyan Drake #41 of the Arizona Cardinals carries the ball before he is stopped by linebacker Troy Reeder #51 of the Los Angeles Rams in the first quarter of the game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
9 of 10
Next
Diontae Johnson, fantasy football
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 08: Wide receiver Diontae Johnson #18 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs with the ball in the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 08, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 23-17. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /

2. WR Diontae Johnson, Pittsburgh Steelers

Just over a year ago, the Pittsburgh Steelers dealt away electrifying but troubled wide receiver Antonio Brown to the Raiders for a third- and fifth-round draft choice. Filling the shoes of the prolific pass-catcher – the only player in league history to total at least 100 receptions five consecutive seasons – would certainly be a challenge.

With that selection from the Silver and Black, general manager Kevin Colbert opted for University of Toledo play-maker Diontae Johnson. His rookie campaign saw him play with three different starting quarterbacks – Ben Roethlisberger (for 6 quarters), Mason Rudolph and Devlin Hodges. He wound up leading Mike Tomlin’s club with 59 receptions – good for 680 yards and a team-best five touchdown receptions. He also totaled four rushing attempts for 41 yards and for good measure, returned 20 punts for 248 yards – including an 85-yard scoring jaunt in a Week 14 win at Arizona.

Now Roethlisberger appears to be healthy and by all indications, is primed for a big year. The receiving corps still includes Juju Smith-Schuster and improving James Washington, the latter with a club-high 735 yards on just 44 receptions. Johnson was truly an eye-opener in 2019 and it will be interesting to see his impact if Roethlisberger can stay on the field.

Home/NFL