Steelers' Derrick Harmon Will Be Trying Something New To Aid His Potential 2026 Breakout Campaign

The Pittsburgh Steelers got what they wanted out of their 2025 first-round pick. After the 2024 season concluded, it was clear that they were weak in run defense, especially in between the tackles. That's why they took Derrick Harmon when he shockingly fell to Pick 21 in that 2025 NFL Draft. He did have injury issues, but when he was actually on the field, he was a quiet, effective force in slowing down the opponents' ground game. As long as he continues to grow, he will be a key piece of the unit for years to come. 

To reach his peak, Harmon will be doing something different for one who strictly plays on the interior defensive line. Insider Mike DeFabo explained what this plan is and how the Steelers want to help him break out in 2026. 

"Harmon’s quick hips and strong hands allow him to get off blocks and make a difference in the run game," DeFabo said. "His challenge will be to stay healthy and add more as a pass rusher. The Steelers plan to have Harmon spend time in training camp working with new outside linebackers coach C.J. Ah You to add more moves to the DT’s pass-rush repertoire and improve upon his three-sack rookie season."

Obviously, Harmon won't be making the move to outside linebacker. He will just be learning how to get by blockers while attacking the quarterback. There are so many great-to-elite edge rushers on the team, so it won't be too hard for him to see all the different styles of block shedding that these smaller, quicker players use to have their way with opposing tackles. 

The good news for Harmon is that he plays next to TJ Watt. Opposing offensive coordinators always scheme up protections for him specifically, which means the young defensive tackle will almost exclusively get one-on-one matchups against the right guard. He will have plenty of chances to test out all the different moves that outside linebacker coach CJ Ah You works with him on throughout training camp.

If Harmon can be as much of a threat in the pass game as he is in the run game, he can be a true three-down defensive lineman that opposing coaches would have to respect. With all the talent on the Steelers' front four, he likely gets the least amount of respect and attention from the opposition while they are game-planning. He can make them pay for that quickly as long as he keeps growing and developing.

2 Steelers Will Influence Harmon Most In New Endeavor

Obviously, Harmon is not exactly built for some of these speed rushes, so he will likely be watching the bigger outside linebackers the most while working with Ah You. Alex Highsmith's frame is larger than the stars of the position group, so he gets used more on first and second downs to help with the run. He's still a very effective pass rusher, so the former first-round pick will be watching him to see how he can get past his man. 

Meanwhile, Harmon's draft classmate Jack Sawyer is also looking to improve on his game. Like Highsmith, he has a bigger build that allows him to be more than a third-down pass rusher, although he is mainly seen as a depth piece due to all the talent ahead of him in the position group. The two second-year players will be working on some of these moves together as they try to prove their worth in training camp.

What do you think about Harmon working with the outside linebackers to become a better pass rusher in the interior defensive line? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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