Steelers' Derrick Harmon Likely To Improve In One Key Area In 2026

The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into the 2026 campaign with many rookies from the 2025 NFL Draft class who will be looking to make big leaps in year two. Pittsburgh's first-round pick, Derrick Harmon, had a solid rookie season when he was on the field. The defensive lineman out of the University of Oregon dealt with some injuries, but in the games when he did line up, he made a huge impact. His presence was felt in the run game primarily, and he showed some flashes as a pass rusher. In his first game in the Black and Gold, he registered a sack, and many were excited to see what else he could bring to the defense. 

Harmon fell to the 21st pick in the 2025 NFL Draft after some concerns with injuries. Though he battled through some lingering issues, he played 12 games in his first year. In those 12 games, he had three sacks and 27 combined tackles, but those numbers didn't tell the full story. His ability to be a pest against the opposition's rushing attack is what makes him so intriguing. 

The Steelers' run defense allowed just 3.5 yards per carry with him on the field, and 4.56 yards when he was off of it. This difference could change the whole outlook of the defense and allow Pittsburgh's inside linebackers to make plays, too. 

Though Harmon had an impactful first season, there is still room for improvement for the young player. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Christopher Carter outlined what he believes would take Harmon to the next level in 2026. He spoke about this on the North Shore Drive podcast. 

"He was really good at a collegiate level of having multiple pass rush moves, of winning in different ways, and being able to beat guys,” Carter said. “He has the frame at 6'5”, 310 to do that at the NFL level at a high level.  We saw flashes of it where he was able to get pressure on teams like he got three pressures up the middle against the Browns. So, there were times where he was really getting after it, and you could see him having an impact, but he just needs to put it together a bit more. That's the thing that he has to develop and continue to sharpen: his pass rush moves, his timing, and how he balances power with quickness.”

Harmon was a capable pass rusher in college; he had five sacks in his junior year with Oregon before he was drafted. He can be a force there, too. It takes many players time to develop a variety of moves, and now, with a year of pro football under his belt, he can spend more time fine-tuning those aspects of his game.

The Steelers' defense will need his services after a lackluster 2025 performance, and adding another layer to Harmon's game will only help the unit take a step forward. The Black and Gold have a ton of edge rushers to wreak havoc, but adding some interior pressure will only lead to more splash plays. Harmon has the chance to be a cornerstone of the defense if he continues to improve, and being a multi-dimensional player will help him be a force long-term. 

Steelers’ Harmon Has The Perfect Mentor

Harmon couldn't have come into a better situation as a rookie, as the player he plays right along with is considered among the league's best. He's had the chance to learn from Steelers star Cam Heyward, who has become an ageless wonder. Heyward had a similar start to Harmon, as he was a later first-round pick who was great against the run and steadily added pass-rush moves. 

Heyward is a proven leader and will help Harmon improve his game. The mentorship will be key in taking Harmon's game to the next level. 

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