Diontae Johnson
WR, Toledo · 2019 NFL Draft, Round 3, pick #66 (PIT)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: availability. Details below.
- Availability
Played 89 of ~100 possible regular-season games from 2019 through 2024 (~89%). Last NFL season: 2024.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #137 (#19 at his position); he went #66, 71 spots earlier. So teams were actually higher on him than the media board was; everyone underrated him.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 48.9% of the time (896 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Age
23 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.4% of the time (2,127 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
Toledo: not a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.5% of the time (1,426 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 4.53 40-yard dash at 183 lbs: faster than 25% of WRs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.5% of the time (2,288 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
WR (WR group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 40.4% of the time (718 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numberslive
| Games | 89 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 5 |
| Pro Bowls | 1 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 35 |
| Redraft value (wAV + 2026) | 35.0 |
| Rushing | 21 att, 140 yds, undefined TD |
| Receiving | 424 rec, 4,738 yds, 28 TD |
| Defense | 2 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2024 |
Career wAV via nflverse draft_picks + 2026 in-season credit from snap counts through Week 7.
The 2019 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2019 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Pre-draft rankings Taken 32+ picks before ESPN's rank | 48.9% n=896 | |
| Age 23 | 50.4% n=2,127 | |
| School Non-Power school (Group of 5 / FCS / smaller) | 50.5% n=1,426 | |
| Athletic testing Middle 50% | 50.5% n=2,288 | |
| Position WR | 40.4% n=718 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 5' 10", 183 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.53 s |
| Bench press | 15 reps |
| Vertical | 33.5" |
| Broad jump | 123" |
| 3-cone | 7.09 s |
| Shuttle | 4.45 s |
| Arm / hand | 30.63" / 9" |
| Age at draft | 23 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #137 overall (#19 WR) |
Picked around him 2019 redraft
| 63 | Juan Thornhill | redraft #70 |
| 64 | D.K. Metcalf | redraft #5 |
| 65 | Zach Allen | redraft #11 |
| 67 | Jalen Hurd | redraft #236 |
| 68 | Jachai Polite | redraft #207 |
| 69 | Josh Oliver | redraft #134 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.