Steelers Daily Links: PFF Ranks Harris & Johnson; Pickett Talks Goals

Pro Football Focus ranked Najee Harris as the 19th-best running back in the NFL, while they had Dionate Johnson as the 24th-best wide receiver.

“Harris has been solid throughout his NFL career. He’s rushed for more than 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons but did so with a sub-4.0 yards-per-carry average. So far, he’s been a product of his volume more than efficiency. We’ll see if he can take that next step in 2023,” Trevor Sikkema of PFF wrote.

In regards to Johnson, Sam Monson of PFF wrote, “Pittsburgh’s offense hasn’t exactly been on fire over the past couple of years, so Johnson’s stats have taken a dive. He didn’t have a single touchdown in 2023, but then-rookie Kenny Pickett threw just seven all season, and Mitchell Trubisky tossed four before he was replaced by Pickett. Johnson remains an outstanding route runner and a savvy receiver in need of an improved passing game to really showcase those skills.”

🏈 Pittsburgh Business Times: Acrisure will donate $7.5 million to UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh for its heart and cardiac program in what UPMC officials say is the largest corporate gift ever to the UPMC Children’s Hospital Foundation. The $7.5 million is the first installment of what Acrisure chairman and CEO Greg Williams said would be a collaboration between Acrisure and UPMC Children’s. Last year the Grand Rapids, Michigan-based company acquired the naming rights to Pittsburgh’s NFL stadium.

🏈 All Things Covered podcast: Joey Porter Sr. explained his pep talk with his son Joey Porter Jr. after he fell out of the first round in the 2023 NFL Draft. Porter Sr. was born in Kansas City and that’s where the draft took place, so Porter Jr. felt like he let his dad down when he knew he wouldn’t walk across the stage as a first-round selection.

“When it didn’t happen, I seen him putting the pressure on himself as if he did something wrong,” Porter said on the “All Things Covered” podcast with Patrick Peterson and former Steelers cornerback Bryant McFadden. “For me, personally, I was just more wanted to help him control the feelings he was going through because he was feeling as if, like, he let somebody down. And I was like, ‘Man, that ain’t the issue.'”

🏈 93.7 The Fan: Kenny Pickett has one thing on his mind as he enters the 2023 season, and that’s winning a Lombardi Trophy. “The Super Bowl. That’s it,” Pickett said on 93.7 The Fan when asked about his goals.

The PM Team LIVE from Studio B at @BowserChevyMon with #Steelers QB Kenny Pickett‼️

Tune in: https://t.co/ZOQTltgOGL pic.twitter.com/MIO1xcqEnG

— 93.7 The Fan (@937theFan) May 24, 2023

RELATED: In Kenny Pickett’s 2nd Year, Steelers Offense Hunting Big Plays

🏈 Actor and stand-up comedian Bill Bellamy was at the Steelers OTA practice on Thursday.

Nothing but laughs and smiles with this guy. Thanks for stopping by, @BILLBELLAMY. pic.twitter.com/NM8vEnxLcI

— Mike Tomlin (@CoachTomlin) May 25, 2023

AROUND THE NETWORK

Pittsburgh Sports Now: Wisconsin is taking a late swing at 2024 Pitt DL commit Francis Brewu.

West Virginia Sports Now: The WVU baseball season came to a disappointing end in the Big 12 Tournament.

Nittany Sports Now: Penn State wrestler Roman Bravo-Young will make his MMA debut.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Casey DeSmith got another shut-out win for Team USA in the World Championships.

Pittsburgh Baseball Now: Pirates pitchers threw an immaculate inning for the second time this month.

Pittsburgh Soccer Now: Pittsburgh shined on soccer’s biggest stage in the Hounds U.S. Open Cup win.