Former Steelers' Cornerback Joe Haden Absolutely Believes Diontae Johnson Is Big Time Underrated

In his most recent episode, Pittsburgh Steelers defensive superstar, Cam Heyward brings former Pro Bowl cornerback Joe Haden onto his podcast. They discuss a multiplicity of topics and we hear about Haden's experience as a defender in the NFL. Haden played for a total of 12 seasons, primarily with the Cleveland Browns, with whom he played for his first seven seasons. In 2017, after being released by the Browns, he signed a three-year contract with Cleveland's AFC North division nemesis, Pittsburgh. Before announcing his retirement, he signed a one-day contract with the Browns in 2022.

In the episode on Not Just Football with Cam Heyward, Haden describes how difficult his position is, especially when compared to a wide receiver. Within the first few minutes, Haden is asked if playing as a wide receiver is harder than playing cornerback.

“No, not even close… Those dudes are some of the most gifted athletes, though, being able to stop, start, move. But we are doing the same thing backwards… Playing those dudes man-to-man coverage is still, I think, one of the toughest things in football.”

He goes on to explain that the cornerback position is one of the most mentally challenging since players must not only be aware of their job on the field, but also be able to read the defense and anticipate what they are doing. Haden is accurate in his assertions - playing as cornerback requires a mix of physical skills, including speed, agility, and strength. Due to the constant pressure of making split-second decisions, these players must have tremendous mental fortitude. In particular and while playing man-to-man coverage, this position also requires one to have exceptional endurance.

Later in the podcast, Haden is asked who his toughest cover was; the answer he provides is not at all surprising.

"Antonio Brown... I was getting hit up in Cleveland... felt like I was one of the best corners in the game, but he definitely got his on me..."

During Haden's time in Cleveland, Brown played in 14 games and caught 101 passes for a total of 1,479 yards and 10 touchdowns. The two had a genuine period of competing against one another on a regular basis for nine years, first as rivals and then as teammates. Brown's skill and versatility on the field was second to none in the league and Haden is certainly not alone in believing that Brown was a difficult cover.

While still on the topic of Brown and wide receivers in general, Haden reveals his favorite underrated Steelers teammate. 

“Diontae Johnson… He accelerates, he works hard in the offseason and practices his route running… If Kenny Pickett is throwing that ball like he’s doing in the preseason, it’s gonna be trouble… He’s [Johnson] gonna get a little bit more recognition than he’s getting now.”

On the third snap of their third preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons, Johnson outran his defender down the sideline and converted a third-and-five. It took Pittsburgh's starting lineup just 11 plays to score 14 points across two drives, with quarterback Kenny Pickett completing four passes, all to different receivers. Johnson is in an ideal position to have a successful comeback season, given that Pickett is also highly expected to improve in his second season. 

As the two continue their discussion about Brown and Johnson, Heyward brings up Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin, whom Haden speaks fondly of.

“I got big, big-time respect for Mike T… He always was approachable, always was somebody that you felt like you could talk to. Every time we played against the Browns, I would come to the sideline, he would always just show me so much love… He’s one of my favorite coaches of all-time.”

Tomlin and the Steelers are moving further along with Pickett, and the coach has scheduled daily one-on-one sessions with his quarterback over the summer in an effort to hasten what has so far been a good progression. When speaking about Pickett's performance in the preseason games, Tomlin said that he had been "really solid." However, Pickett's development as a leader is what most impresses him. According to the experienced coach, having that level of maturity is essential for a team to succeed.

The Steelers are bound to have an exhilarating season ahead, as these players are expected to live up to the high expectations that have already been set for them. With a reconstructed offensive line and a quarterback in Pickett who is developing into an elite player, the coming season for the Steelers looks good. For now, their main priority will be on competing against the San Francisco 49ers in their first regular-season game next week.