Steelers' Derrick Harmon 'excited' to face Browns' Dillon Gabriel in AFC North clash

Before Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon and Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel began their pro careers via the 2025 NFL Draft, the two were teammates as members of the Oregon Ducks. 

While speaking with reporters on Monday, Harmon offered a preview of what the Steelers can expect from Gabriel when 3-1 Pittsburgh hosts 1-4 Cleveland in Week 6. 

Dillon Gabriel will know "his weaknesses and his strengths" vs. Steelers

"Great football player, man," Harmon said about Gabriel, per Brendan Howe of Steelers Now. "Hell of a guy off the field, too. I’m just excited to see him and go to battle with him. … Very smart quarterback, man. He’s very smart. I feel like he knows his weaknesses and his strengths, and he’s gonna use them and he’s gonna make sure that you don’t use his weaknesses against him."

A third-round draft pick, Gabriel made two late-game cameos in September before he was named Cleveland's new starter ahead of the club's matchup against the Minnesota Vikings in London in Week 5. Gabriel was solid but not spectacular as he completed 19-of-33 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. 

However, Cleveland's defense surrendered a 10-play, 80-yard drive that ended with Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz finding Jordan Addison for a game-winning touchdown pass with 25 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. 

Derrick Harmon sends warning to Steelers about Browns' offense

ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi noted Tuesday that Gabriel averaged only 5.5 air yards per attempt versus Minnesota and connected on just three of 10 passes that traveled at least 10 air yards in that contest. It's unclear whether Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski will again adopt a conservative offensive game plan for Sunday's game against Pittsburgh.

That said, Harmon knows that the Browns could task rookie running back Quinshon Judkins with making life easier for Gabriel early and often on Sunday. Judkins rushed for 110 yards on 23 carries versus Minnesota. 

"Teams are gonna try to run that ball in this [division]," Harmon warned. "This D-line has to stand up and stop that run, which we’re gonna do."

As of Tuesday morning, ESPN BET had the Steelers as 5.5-point home favorites against the Browns.