The Pittsburgh Steelers made the big-time choice to use their first-round draft pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to select defensive lineman Derrick Harmon. The Steelers' defense struggled late in the 2024 season, particularly against the run. In their playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens, they allowed 299 rushing yards, a dismal showing for the NFL's highest-paid defense. Harmon, a dominant force from Oregon, was drafted to shore up this weakness and bring back Pittsburgh's defensive edge.
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Former Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine.
The Steelers' decision to draft Harmon shows their determination to address a critical flaw. The Ravens' rushing attack in the playoffs highlighted Pittsburgh's struggles to stop the run, tarnishing their defensive reputation. Harmon's college performance, marked by quick penetration and relentless pursuit, made him a perfect fit. His selection underscores the Steelers' plan to rebuild their defensive line with young, high-impact players ready for the AFC North's physical demands.
The Steelers rarely start rookies, but Defensive Line Coach Karl Dunbar revealed in a Tuesday media scrum that Harmon will be a starter from day one. This surprising decision reflects the team's trust in Harmon's ability to deliver immediately. With a tough schedule and a division packed with run-heavy teams, Harmon's role as a rookie starter could be pivotal in restoring the Steelers' defense to its best.
"You can write that," Dunbar said. "He’s our starting left defensive end."
The Steelers face a daunting task in restoring their defense to its once-dominant form, a hallmark of the franchise’s storied history. Early in the 2024 season, the Steelers’ defense shone brightly, ranking statistically as the NFL’s best for several weeks. Their ability to stifle offenses with relentless pressure and stout run defense rekindled memories of the Steelers' dominant defenses.
However, as the season progressed and competition intensified, cracks began to appear. A string of critical injuries to key players further derailed their performance. This exposed a vulnerability in the run defense that was unacceptable for a unit carrying the league’s highest payroll.
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The Pittsburgh Steelers select DL Derrick Harmon out of the University of Oregon with the 21st choice in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The decline underscored the urgent need for reinforcements, leading to the selection of Harmon in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Harmon’s disruptive presence is expected to bolster the defensive line, but rebuilding the unit’s consistency and depth remains a work in progress.
On the offensive side, the Steelers have newfound stability at the quarterback position, a critical factor in their aspirations for 2025. The acquisition of Aaron Rodgers, a future Hall of Famer, marks a bold move to elevate an offense that has struggled to find its rhythm in recent years.
At 41, Rodgers is no longer the MVP-caliber quarterback who once dominated the league, but Head Coach Mike Tomlin and the Steelers’ front office are banking on his experience and football IQ to provide a level of competence not seen in Pittsburgh since Ben Roethlisberger’s prime.
Rodgers’ ability to manage games, make precise reads, and extend plays could transform the Steelers into a more balanced team. While he may not replicate his peak performances, even 50% of his former brilliance would give Pittsburgh a quarterback capable of winning crucial games, particularly in the high-stakes AFC North.
Steelers Breaking A Rule With Rookie Derrick Harmon
The decision to start Harmon as a rookie signals the Steelers’ aggressive approach to addressing their defensive woes. Harmon’s college tape showcased a rare blend of power, quickness, and instincts, making him an ideal fit to combat the division’s run-heavy offenses.
This move is a departure from Pittsburgh’s tradition of easing rookies into roles, reflecting both the team’s faith in Harmon and the urgency to fix a defense that faltered at critical moments in 2024. Paired with Rodgers’ veteran presence on offense, the Steelers are positioning themselves to compete on both sides of the ball.
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Oregon Ducks standout defensive tackle Derrick Harmon.
However, the success of this strategy hinges on Harmon’s ability to adapt quickly to the NFL’s physicality and Rodgers’ capacity to stay healthy and effective. With a challenging schedule ahead, the Steelers’ blend of youthful potential and seasoned leadership could either propel them back to contender status or expose the risks of relying on a rookie starter and an aging quarterback.
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