Now in the NFL, Steelers first-round pick Derrick Harmon has the opportunity to play alongside a defensive lineman he’s modeled his game after: Cameron Heyward.

At the NFL Combine, Harmon said the NFL player he wants to emulate is a mixture of the Chiefs’ Chris Jones and the Steelers’ Heyward, noting that Heyward “stops the run perfectly … he’s been in the league forever.”

At Steelers rookie minicamp, Harmon was asked about being on the same defense as Heyward. Harmon said Heyward reached out to congratulate him after he was drafted, and he can’t wait to talk more, adding, “It’s still unbelievable” to play with a defender he’s studied.

Harmon will have support moving to the NFL level. His locker is next to third-year defensive lineman Keeanu Benton’s. However, the rookie was confident he’s ready for pro football: “I was in the NFL at Oregon … they prepare us at Oregon very well for this type of thing.”

He added that the similarities between the Ducks’ odd front and the Steelers’ help as well.

Asked about medical concerns about his shoulder or if it would require management, Harmon was quick to shut down concerns. “Nothing is wrong with my shoulder,” he said. “I’m 100% healthy, ready to go.”

After the Steelers drafted Harmon, head coach Mike Tomlin said the rookie has “Steeler DNA.” Harmon was asked about that quote and why he fits in Pittsburgh.

“You gotta have some grit to be in this organization,” he said. “You gotta have a little bit of an edge to you, and you gotta play with a little bit of pride. And I feel like that’s me.”

Harmon exuded confidence about his future with the Steelers, but he was honest when it came to balancing those emotions with the recent death of his mother.

“I don’t know. I’m still dealing with it. … I’m just putting one foot in front of the other.”

Steelers rookie minicamp runs May 9-11.