How Steelers' Derrick Harmon Avoids Sophomore Slump

Harmon Ready to Dominate for Steelers in 2026

Like any rookie, Harmon entered the NFL with room to grow. Based off of how he's performed in training camp and in his two preseason apperances, he's clearly addressed his biggest need.

In two preseason contests, Harmon made just three total tackles, with only one comnig individually. But that doesn't paint an accurate picture.

The biggest improvement Harmon flashed against both the Green Bay Packers and New York Jets was flashing some stout run blocking. One specific play against the Jets was maybe the best piece of evidence for this case.

And that play came on the Steelers' first defensive series of that contest. The Jets ran some pre-snap motion before handing the ball off. The Jets' offensive line pulled to the left, the Steelers clogged things up two or three yards after the line of scrimmage, and before the tailback could cut back to the right, Harmon and company swallowed him up.

From start to finish, Harmon showed exactly what the team needed to see. His pad level was low, he shot quick hands, and kept his feet centered under him. He used his strength to keep his gap plugged and not be pushed back too far.

Then, as the play begins to shift back the other way, Harmon's heads up playstyle allows him to quickly react to what the ball-carrier was doing. He rips his right arm in a swim-move away from the pulling guard to free himself up and make the stop.

It was a play that defensive captain Cam Heyward makes time and time again. It's a play that now Harmon is prepared to make regularly.

And that's the key for Harmon. If he can bring that level of run-stuffing, he instantly becomes a well-rounded and complete interior defensive lineman. The Steelers already have plenty of those, and now the next potential All-Pro is ready to avoid the dreaded sophomore slump.