A Pittsburgh Steeler hasn’t won AP Defensive Rookie of the Year since Kendrell Bell in 2001. Not even T.J. Watt — with seven sacks, one forced fumble, one interception and 10 tackles for loss — was able to win the award. Could that change this year with first-round DT Derrick Harmon? Most likely not, but he at least received some recognition in a recent survey of NFL execs conducted by Albert Breer of SI.com.
Cleveland Browns ILB Carson Schwesinger is leading the way with 15.5 votes, but Harmon is in a tie for fifth with one vote out of 42 GMs, VPs, directors of player personnel, and directors of pro scouting surveyed. The other players ahead of Harmon are New York Giants OLB Abdul Carter, Philadelphia Eagles LB Jihaad Campbell, Seattle Seahawks S Nick Emmanwori, and Washington Commanders CB Trey Amos.
It’s worth noting that Harmon missed the first two games of the season, and thus started behind the eight ball when it came to building his resume. Based on his first three games played, Harmon appeared to have a fighter’s chance at the award with two sacks, four QB hits, a tackle for loss, and a pass defensed.
His box score statistics have cooled off since then, but the tape continues to look good. Really good.
Look at the way he used his arm length to create leverage and drive the center back into the hole on this play.
He’s powerful, technical and has all the right measurables to turn into a great player. And he’s still managed to generate 15 total pressures in just six games of playing about 50 percent of the team’s defensive snaps.
Harmon’s chances of winning the award are low, but not zero. There really aren’t any rookies with eye-popping statistics. Schwesinger has 64 total tackles, a sack and an interception, and Abdul Carter has a half sack and one tackle for loss. If Harmon finishes the final nine games with five or six sacks, he could be right there in the conversation at the end of the season.
The award doesn’t mean much, but it’s never been more ripe for the taking than in 2025. Maybe Harmon will go on a tear and bring it home.
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