It took no time in any respect for Pittsburgh Steelers first-round decide Derrick Harmon to log starter reps alongside the defensive position. Regardless of being an unproven rookie, Pittsburgh is giving him first-team reps on Day 1 of the crew’s necessary minicamp. Defensive position coach Karl Dunbar confirmed the information, as shared by The Trib’s Chris Adamski.
Steelers DL coach Karl Dunbar confirmed rookie Derrick Harmon is the 1st-team left DT
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) June 10, 2025
Harmon was the twenty first decide of the 2025 NFL Draft. A participant the Steelers touted as somebody they lengthy had their eye on and had zero plans to commerce away from, regardless of receiving provides from groups trying to transfer up.
Defensive position was a significant want heading into the draft and it’s little shock the Steelers invested closely in filling it. Harmon takes the place of the spot beforehand held by Larry Ogunjobi, who was launched within the offseason. Pittsburgh added a set of veterans within the offseason, chiefly Daniel Ekuale, however the Steelers aren’t resting on their old-school philosophy of rookies sitting and ready their flip. As an alternative, Harmon is being given the possibility to play out of the gate.
A Detroit native who spent most of his faculty profession at Michigan State, Harmon transferred to Oregon for the 2024 season. It proved to be his greatest season, Harmon breaking out to complete with 45 tackles (11 TFL), 5 sacks, and two compelled fumbles. Constructed like a prototypical Steelers defensive lineman at practically 6-5, 300 kilos with lengthy 34 3/8-inch arms, Harmon checked each field Pittsburgh was in search of.
If Harmon’s development continues, he’ll function the Steelers’ starter within the protection’s “Okie” entrance, their 3-4 base alignment. Within the more-common 2-4-5 nickel groupings, Harmon is prone to rotate in behind Cam Heyward and Keeanu Benton. Pittsburgh extra fastidiously managed Heyward’s snaps final season, rising the necessity for a 3rd defensive lineman to substitute in. Benton himself is trying to have a breakout season after registering only one sack in every of his first two years.
Heyward led the Steelers’ d-line with eight sacks final season. The remainder of the unit chipped in simply 4.5, a quantity Pittsburgh wants to enhance in 2025. As a protection, the Steelers completed 2024 with solely 40 sacks. The final time Pittsburgh completed with fewer got here in 2016 with 38. That got here the 12 months earlier than T.J. Watt was drafted.
