Steelers fans get shocking update on rookie Derrick Harmon's status

The Pittsburgh Steelers made the choice to use their first-round draft pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to select defensive lineman Derrick Harmon. The Steelers' defense struggled late in the 2024 season, particularly against the run. In their playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens, they allowed 299 rushing yards, a dismal showing for the NFL's highest-paid defense. Harmon, a dominant force from Oregon, was drafted to shore up this weakness and bring back Pittsburgh's defensive edge.

The Steelers rarely start rookies, but defensive line coach Karl Dunbar revealed in a Tuesday media scrum that Harmon will be a starter from day one. This surprising decision reflects the team's trust in Harmon's ability to deliver immediately. With a tough schedule and a division packed with run-heavy teams, Harmon's role as a rookie starter could be pivotal in restoring the Steelers' defense to its best.

"You can write that," Dunbar said. "He’s our starting left defensive end."

The Steelers face a daunting task in restoring their defense to its once-dominant form, a hallmark of the franchise’s storied history. Early in the 2024 season, the Steelers’ defense shone brightly, ranking statistically as the NFL’s best for several weeks. Their ability to stifle offenses with relentless pressure and stout run defense rekindled memories of the Steelers' dominant defenses.

However, as the season progressed and competition intensified, cracks began to appear. A string of critical injuries to key players further derailed their performance. This exposed a vulnerability in the run defense that was unacceptable for a unit carrying the league’s highest payroll. 

The decline underscored the urgent need for reinforcements, leading to the selection of Harmon. Harmon’s disruptive presence is expected to bolster the defensive line, but rebuilding the unit’s consistency and depth remains a work in progress.

The decision to start Harmon as a rookie signals the Steelers’ aggressive approach to addressing their defensive woes. Harmon’s college tape showcased a rare blend of power, quickness and instincts, making him an ideal fit to combat the division’s run-heavy offenses. 

This move is a departure from Pittsburgh’s tradition of easing rookies into roles, reflecting both the team’s faith in Harmon and the urgency to fix a defense that faltered at critical moments in 2024. 

However, the success of this strategy hinges on Harmon’s ability to adapt quickly to the NFL’s physicality. With a challenging schedule ahead, the Steelers’ blend of youthful potential and seasoned leadership could either propel them back to contender status or expose the risks of relying on a rookie starter.