The Pittsburgh Steelers are often criticized for all of the aging talent on their roster. However, they have some nice up-and-coming players, too, including 2025 first-round pick Derrick Harmon. While injuries slowed him down at times, he still had a solid first NFL season, earning the award given to Pittsburgh’s best rookie. The Steelers will need him to take another step forward this year.
And former Steelers linebacker Vince Williams expects Harmon to meet that challenge.
“That guy right there made a world of difference when he was on the field,” Williams said recently on Steelers Nation Radio. “And I’ll keep saying it, your rookie year is a whirlwind for those young guys, just based on you don’t know what to expect.
“The unknown is the biggest opponent that you’re facing when you’re a rookie…I think the second-year jump for [Harmon] is going to be amazing. I think he’s going to come out and tear it up.”
Harmon figures to be a big part of the Steelers’ defensive line this year. He was a big difference maker in the run game last season, but he needs to be more consistent as a pass rusher. While he flashed at times as a rookie, he only had three sacks.
Also, the rest of the Steelers’ defensive line has some question marks. Cam Heyward was still elite in 2025, but he’s 37 years old, so there’s no telling how much gas he has left in the tank. Harmon could help take some of the pressure off Heyward.
Keeanu Benton had a career-high 5.5 sacks last year, but he was inconsistent against the run. Just as well, it’s unclear where he, and Yahya Black, will play along the defensive line. Steelers defensive line coach Domata Peko teased that their roles could change, and there may be growing pains associated with that.
Harmon could be the glue for that group. The key will be for him to stay healthy. Two separate knee injuries limited him to 12 games last year. The best ability is availability, and Harmon can’t show how he’s grown if he’s not on the field.
The Steelers’ defense underwhelmed last season, but with a new scheme in place, it could play closer to the team’s standard. Young players like Harmon continuing to ascend will be key for that to happen, though. They drafted him in the first round for a reason.
Recommended for you