Daily Links: Ranking Steelers Triplets, Haden on Playing for Tomlin

CBS Sports: In CBS Sports’ annual NFL triplet rankings, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ trio of Kenny Pickett, Najee Harris and Diontae Johnson came in at No. 22.

“If there is any team from this group that is most likely to make a significant jump this year, it might be the Steelers,” Jared Dublin of CBS Sports wrote. “Second-year quarterbacks typically take a step forward if they are going to end up being any good, and Pickett has an improved offensive line in front of him as well as both Johnson and George Pickens, plus Allen Robinson, Pat Freiermuth, and Darnell Washington in his pass-catching corps. If he makes a leap, the Steelers can certainly jump into the top half of the league.”

🏈 NFL on ESPN: Former Steelers cornerback Joe Haden gave a glimpse of what it’s like to play for Mike Tomlin on NFL Live.

“The one thing that NFL players want is honesty,” Haden said. “They want coaches to let you know where you stand. How you stand? What can I do better? What do you need from me? And that’s the one thing Coach Tomlin is always going to give you is honesty. He’s going to tell you exactly what he wants from you, and that’s just the best situation to have with a coach.”

🏈 According to Ryan Scarpino, under Matt Canada the Steelers have punted on 20 of 34 opening drives. The Washington Commanders and New Orleans Saints also have 20. Only the Denver Broncos, Tennessee Titans and New York Jets (22) have punted more on opening drives. Scarpino points out that opening drives have been an issue for the Steelers prior to Canada, however. Over the past five seasons, the Steelers have punted on 49 of 82 opening drives. They’re tied with the Texans for the third-most during that span. The Commanders have 52 and the Broncos have 53.

🏈On Wednesday, Steelers’ rookies toured the Best of the Batch Foundation and learned about the educational programming they provide to 22 local school districts.

On Wednesday, our rookies toured the @BestoftheBatch and learned about the educational programming they provide to 22 local school districts. @CharlieBatch16 pic.twitter.com/Ywebm9QTvY

— Steelers Community Relations (@SteelersCR) June 21, 2023

🏈 Joey Porter Jr. posted a tribute on his Instagram Story to former Steelers outside linebacker Clark Haggans, who passed away at the age of 46. Porter’s dad, Joey Porter Sr. was teammates with Haggans in college at Colorado State and with the Steelers from 2000-2006. Porter Sr. and Haggans were the starting outside linebackers on the Steelers’ 2005 Super Bowl-winning team.

When Joey Porter Jr. was drafted by the Steelers, Clark Haggans was one of the first former players he mentioned because of the relationship Haggans had with his dad. Porter Jr. posted this on Instagram today. pic.twitter.com/iXsmi91elz

— Brian Batko (@BrianBatko) June 22, 2023

Former Steelers nose tackle Chris Hoke joined the Cook & Joe Show on 93.7 The Fan to share his memories of Clark Haggans.

🎂 Happy Birthday to former Steelers tight end Eric Green, born on June 22, 1967 in Savannah, Georgia. Green, who was selected by the Steelers at 21st overall out of Liberty in the 1990 NFL Draft, caught 198 passes for 2,681 yards (13.5 average) and 24 touchdowns for Pittsburgh from 1990-1994. After Pro Bowl seasons in 1993 and 1994, Green became an unrestricted free agent and was looking for a big payday, which the Steelers weren’t willing to give. On March 11, 1995, Green signed a six-year, $12 million contract with the Miami Dolphins. At the time of the signing, Green’s contract made him the highest paid tight end in NFL history. Green never lived up to his contract in Miami, however, as his weight problems and work ethic caused then-coach Jimmy Johnson to release Green from the team, which terminated his six-year, $12 million contract. Green played three seasons with the Baltimore Ravens and one year with the Jets before retiring after the 1999 season.

🎥 One of Clark Haggans’ best performances of his career came in the Steelers’ Week 1 win over the Oakland Raiders in 2004. Haggans recorded five tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles, two tackles for losses and one pass defended.

Before Deebo and TJ, Clark Haggans was Mr Strip Sack #steelers pic.twitter.com/mcpae3pknc

— Kyle Chrise (@kylechrise) June 22, 2023

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