Steelers' Derrick Harmon generating major buzz among top rookies despite early injury

When the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Derrick Harmon in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft, the hope was that he'd step in as an immediate and impactful starter.

Through the halfway point of the 2025 season, Harmon has done just that, as he leads all rookies in pressures with 15, two of which he has turned into sacks.

Granted, Harmon is nowhere near perfect at this early stage in his career, but he has shown enough flashes as a run defender and pass-rusher to leave us excited for his future.

Harmon's solid play hasn't been lost on The Athletic's Dan Brugler, who labeled the first-year defender as the runner-up at defensive tackle on his All-Rookie Team with half of a season left to play.

Despite missing the first two weeks because of a preseason injury, Harmon has quickly established himself as a vital part of the Steelers’ defensive front. The first-rounder out of Oregon did a great job against Indianapolis in Week 9 using his long arms to move blockers against their will and constrict run lanes, which contributed to a quiet day for Jonathan Taylor.

Harmon currently leads all rookie interior defensive linemen in pressures (15), and he also has two sacks and 13 tackles.

Getting the nod over Harmon was Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Deone Walker, who is having his own impressive rookie campaign.

What makes Harmon's production more impressive is the fact that he missed the first two games of the season with a knee injury and, in the process, a ton of practice time before the start of the season.

Yet, Harmon was able to make an immediate contribution, with both of his sacks coming in the first three games he played in.

The rookie has been fairly quiet since then, but we'll chalk that up to the ups and downs many rookies experience.

With Steelers defensive lineman stalwart Cam Heyward approaching the end of his career, Harmon is the guy they're hoping will take the torch.

Right now, it looks like he's capable of taking on that immense task.

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