Steelers' Rookies Derrick Harmon And Yahya Black Get Exciting Praise From Teammate

The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially started training camp, and it's an exciting time for both fans and players. For fans, it’s a first look at how the new roster is coming together after a busy offseason. For players, it’s an opportunity to sharpen their skills, compete, and face off against teammates they may not have lined up against before. With a mix of seasoned veterans and promising rookies joining the team, all eyes are on how these new additions will begin to shape the upcoming season.

Several position groups are facing growing pressure heading into the season, but much of that spotlight has been on both the offensive and defensive lines, and how they'll help anchor the team. For guard Mason McCormick, that pressure is already being felt in training camp matchups. 

In a recent media appearance via the Post-Gazette, McCormick shared his thoughts on going up against two of the Steelers’ newly drafted defensive rookies, both Derrick Harmon and Yahya Black, offering insight into what it’s been like to face them on the field.

"They're both really good players," McCormick said. "You can tell that they bring a certain level of physicality to their game and that's exciting you know, that's a good challenge for us. It'll make us better and we'll be ready for it."

Harmon was the Steelers’ first-round draft pick this year, and fans are excited about what he brings to the team. He plays defensive tackle and is expected to make a big impact in his rookie season. He’s even projected to be a starter, something that doesn’t happen often for rookies under Head Coach Mike Tomlin, which shows how much the team believes in his talent and potential.

Black is a defensive tackle the Steelers selected in the fifth round of this year’s NFL Draft. He’s best known for his size, strength, and ability to stop the run, all qualities that could be a big asset for the Steelers’ defense this season. Both Black and Harmon bring a sense of excitement and optimism, with the hope that they can grow into long-term impact players, much like the established veterans already on the roster.

These young players will have the opportunity to learn and grow alongside some of those veterans and could one day carry on their legacy. A great example is the budding mentorship between Harmon and Cam Heyward, the veteran defensive tackle known for his leadership both on and off the field. As Heyward enters his 15th NFL season, he brings a lot of experience and knowledge, which is valuable information he can pass down to someone like Harmon, who may be next in line to carry the torch.

This season comes with plenty of pressure for the Steelers as a whole, but for the rookies, that pressure feels even greater. For Harmon, being a first-round pick comes with big expectations, as he’ll be looking to prove he deserves that selection and can live up to the starting role he’s been projected for. On the other hand, Black, as a later-round pick, faces a different challenge: showing that he belongs at this level and validating the Steelers’ decision to bring him in. Both players have something to prove, and both are hungry to make their mark.

Steelers Went All-In On Defense In This Year’s NFL Draft

This year’s draft was full of anticipation for the Steelers, especially with all the uncertainty at the quarterback position. Leading up to draft weekend, the Steelers had been linked to several different quarterbacks, and many thought they might take one early. In fact, there was so much speculation that it seemed like no one could agree on what the Steelers would do with any of their picks. That made the draft even more exciting to follow. However, as the weekend played out, it became clear that the Steelers were focused on defense, using five of their seven picks to strengthen that side of the ball.

Do you think Harmon and Black will have an immediate impact on the defense this season? Let us know in the comments below!

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