When the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Derrick Harmon in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft this past April, it felt like a very safe pick for the team. As productive as Harmon was during his final collegiate season at Oregon, this pick seemed to fly under the radar with all of the splash moves the Steelers have made for big-name players. However, Steelers veteran Cam Heyward has made it clear that he has high expectations for the rookie.
Derrick Harmon checks a lot of boxes.
• Age: 21 ✅
• Size: 6’6 (88%), 322lbs (90%) ✅
• Athlete: 4.95 40 (75%) + Twitch ✅
• Production: 55 Pressures (#1 in NCAA) ✅
• Film: extremely impressive ✅
Has some Chris Jones to his game… pic.twitter.com/VQYzAEx9TV
— SCOUTD (@scoutdnfl) April 21, 2025
On his Not Just Football podcast, Heyward was asked which rookie he believes will have the biggest impact on the team during the 2025 season. He was quick to respond by mentioning Harmon, and praised the way the young defensive tackle fits into the Steelers’ defense.
“Our first round draft pick Derrick Harmon,” Heyward said. “I have a lot of respect [for him] and I’m excited to see where he takes off, but he’s gonna get a chance to play early, and I think he’s gonna have an immediate impact by playing early.”
Playing on a defensive line with Heyward and T.J. Watt will give Harmon an immediate opportunity to produce. Heyward also praised the style of Harmon’s play and the Steelers' coaching staff as a perfect fit for the rookie.
“He plays with good hands, is able to transfer from run to pass a lot faster,” Heyward said. “You know, I think having a good coach like Karl Dunbar is really gonna put him in a good situation.”
Harmon totaled 55 pressures last season, more than any interior lineman in college football. Now, Steelers defensive line coach Karl Dunbar gets to add Harmon to an already star-studded defensive front. Despite only being 21 years of age, Harmon will have the unique opportunity to play right away on what figures to be one of the NFL’s best defensive units in his rookie season.
