Former Steelers Franchise QB Raves About New Pittsburgh Rookie
The Steelers chose defensive tackle Derrick Harmon in the first round of this year’s NFL Draft. The team drafted Harmon to help strengthen their defensive line and have stability in the future when Cam Heyward eventually retires. Heyward will serve as a mentor to Harmon. Harmon is in the perfect position to develop into the next star player for the Steelers’ defense. Ben Roethlisberger spoke about Harmon during a recent episode of his “Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger” podcast. Roethlisberger said, “Man, [Derrick Harmon]’s going to be an animal. Love to see it, love to see him just basically manhandle people. He just takes control of the line, he takes control of his guy, and he is going to get so much better the more he learns about the little nuances of the game: little techniques, little trick things, little -- I’m not going to call it cheating things, but things that the big guys do in there. He’s going to figure it out; he’s going to learn from Cam [Heyward], he’s going to learn from those guys how to be a vet, but awesome for him.”
Harmon played collegiate football for the Michigan State Spartans and the Oregon Ducks. He played in 28 games for Michigan State from 2021-2023. Harmon was a starter for Oregon in every game of the 2024 season. He was named to the second-team All-Big 10 in 2024. Harmon is already making an impact in the NFL. In the Steelers’ preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Acrisure Stadium, he worked his way through the Bucs’ offensive line multiple times. He even had one sack.
Harmon described the atmosphere of the Steelers’ first home game this year. He said, “It was beautiful, man. It was real beautiful. It kind of took me back to Oregon a little bit with how loud they [were] out there. So it was beautiful to have all the fans be home.” Harmon is expected to be a starting option for the Steelers as early as their first regular season game against the New York Jets on September 7th. Many people think that Harmon will emerge as a competitor for Defensive Rookie of the Year. Harmon has received praise for his attitude, both on and off the field. His teammates, coaches, and analysts have commended him for his work ethic, willingness to learn, and maturity.
