One of the newest faces on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense is Derrick Harmon, who’s been impressive so far in training camp. However, on during Wednesday’s practice, Harmon didn’t suit up, according to our Alex Kozora, on site in Latrobe.
Kozora also mentioned that Harmon was not going through individual drills with the rest of the defensive line. Harmon’s been healthy throughout camp, and the coaching staff typically reserves rest days for veterans. It’s unclear whether this may be a rest day for Harmon, or if there’s an injury he could be dealing with.
So far, Harmon’s had a terrific start to camp. He’s already starting to make the Steelers confident in their choice to draft him with the 21st overall pick. After plenty of struggles across the defensive line late last season, especially on the interior, Harmon is expected to take on a big role for his rookie season. Currently, he’s in line for a starting role.
Derrick Harmon is already earning the respect of his teammates as well. Last week, after the Friday Night Lights practice, Alex Highsmith complimented Harmon, and his fellow draft classmate Yahya Black. This week, former Steelers OL Trai Essex complimented Harmon’s game. Specifically his pass rush, and Essex claimed he looked like a veteran already. Pittsburgh’s going to need him to play like one in his rookie year as they hope to be much more physical at the line of scrimmage.
Again, it’s not clear yet if Harmon is dealing with an injury. If he is, it’s certainly inopportune timing, with the Steelers’ first preseason game just a few days away. Starters don’t typically play a ton in the preseason, but rookies are a different story. Even though it’s not the same as an regular season game, it helps for rookies to get a feel for the NFL level before the games actually matter. Especially when the only NFL competition Harmon has had so far is against his own teammates.
Preseason reps are important for rookies, so if Derrick Harmon is dealing with anything, the Steelers hope it’s nothing major. Mike Tomlin will speak to the media after Wednesday’s practice wraps up, and will likely provide more information then.
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