Steelers Legend Casey Hampton Shares Enthusiastic Reaction To Derrick Harmon’s Draft Selection

The 2025 NFL Draft has officially ended, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are entering the next phase of the offseason with both optimism and enthusiasm surrounding their new rookies. The NFL Draft always serves as a crucial moment for franchises to strengthen and develop their rosters, and this year was no exception. For the Steelers, the spotlight was especially intense as fans and analysts speculated on the team's draft strategy, specifically its coveted first-round pick. With multiple positional needs and plenty of talent on the board, there was a lot of discussion leading up to draft night about which direction the Steelers go.

During the 2025 NFL Draft, Steelers long snapper Christian Kuntz recorded a special episode of The Christian Kuntz Podcast live from a Steelers draft party. For this episode, Kuntz was joined by two legendary figures in Steelers history, Casey Hampton and Louis Lipps, as they talked all things Steelers, and even had a live reaction to the first-round pick. 

Hampton in particular expressed strong enthusiasm about the selection of Derrick Harmon. Hampton, a former defensive standout himself, praised the pick and seemed genuinely excited about the potential impact Harmon could have on the Steelers' defensive line.

"He coming in the right situation… learning behind Cam [Heyward], a guy like that man, he’s coming into a perfect, perfect situation," Hampton said. "[Karl] Dunbar excellent coach. I mean the culture of the d-lineman here and just the defense."

The Steelers made it clear that defense was a top priority. With multiple picks used to add to their defensive unit, the Steelers showed their commitment to returning to their roots of hard-nosed, physical football.

The selection of Harmon in the first round set the tone, emphasizing the team’s intent to strengthen the defensive line. Additional picks throughout the draft targeted depth and talent at key positions such as linebacker and secondary, reinforcing the franchise’s strategy to build a dominant and youthful defense.

Cam Heyward has been the heart and soul of the Steelers defense for over a decade, and his leadership continues to be one of the most valuable assets to the team. As a veteran defensive lineman and team captain, Heyward sets the standard for work ethic, discipline, and toughness both on and off the field. 

His ability to mentor younger players, including recent draft picks like Harmon, helps create a culture of accountability and growth within the defensive unit. Beyond his physical presence and consistent performance, Heyward's voice in the locker room and on the sidelines provides stability and motivation.

As Heyward enters the later stages of his career, his impact on the Steelers remains undeniable, but the team is clearly starting to look toward the future. At 35, Heyward continues to lead by example, but the physical demands of the game are undeniable, and the Steelers know they must begin developing the next generation of defensive stars. 

That’s where Harmon comes in. His combination of size, speed, and football IQ has already drawn comparisons to a young Heyward. With the opportunity to learn directly from one of the best in the game, Harmon is in an ideal position to develop into the next dominant force for the Steelers’ defense.Hampton also shared some valuable advice for Harmon, highlighting a crucial element he believes will be essential to Harmon’s success.

"If he [comes] in with the right attitude, man, that boy can be a beast," Hampton added.

There has been an overwhelming amount of positive feedback regarding Harmon’s attitude, both on and off the field. Coaches, teammates, and analysts have praised his work ethic, maturity, and eagerness to learn. His willingness to put in the effort and remain coachable has quickly made a strong impression within the Steelers organization, that will most likely set him up for success.

Steelers’ Defensive Future Looks Extremely Promising

The future of the Steelers' defense looks very bright as the team combines experienced veterans with promising young talent. With veterans like Heyward continuing to provide leadership and mentorship, the next generation of defenders, including exciting draft picks like Harmon, are poised to step up and carry the tradition forward. 

The Steelers have long been known for their tough, physical defensive identity, and the current roster moves and draft selections indicate a clear commitment to maintaining that tradition. As these young players develop and gain experience, the Steelers’ defense is set to remain a strong force in the NFL for years to come.

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