Rookie Harmon Named High Steeler To Root For In 2025
He will not be a sleeper however there’s loads of causes to root for Pittsburgh Steelers rookie defensive lineman Derrick Harmon this yr. On the sector, he faces excessive expectations and might be counted on to play a whole lot of snaps. Off the sector, he’s gone by way of the very best highs and lowest lows of his life. Harmon made NFL.com’s listing of the No. 1 Steeler to root for this season.
“I’m already in awe of Harmon’s energy,” Kevin Patra wrote Thursday. “His mom, Tiffany Saine, died shortly after the Steelers drafted him in Spherical 1 on the night time of April 24. Saine, who had endured a number of mind surgical procedures and a stroke in recent times, was within the hospital on life assist previous to her passing. It’s laborious to think about attempting to stability such a variety of feelings that Harmon should have felt — and may proceed to really feel — whereas embarking on a professional profession within the wake of such an incredible loss. It looks like he’s accomplished a exceptional job of going about his enterprise, although. Steelers defensive position coach Karl Dunbar has already referred to Harmon as a starter this summer season.”
Tiffany Saine battled well being issues all through Harmon’s life, and it was one key cause why the Detroit native stayed near dwelling and performed for Michigan State. After three years with the Spartans, he made the admittedly troublesome choice to go away dwelling and switch to Oregon. It proved to be the best transfer for his soccer profession. Harmon broke out in a giant method, taking part in his method into turning into Pittsburgh’s first-round choice.
A celebratory second got here with heartache. Hours after turning into the Steelers’ decide, Harmon’s mom handed away. Moments captured in his draft documentary, Harmon’s credited the Steelers for supporting him in the course of the days and weeks that adopted.
Throughout OTAs and minicamp, Harmon wasted no time cracking the beginning rotation. As Patra notes, d-line coach Karl Dunbar basically anointed him a starter even when Mike Tomlin performed extra coy. Cam Heyward and Keeanu Benton determine to nonetheless be the workforce’s prime two linemen in sub-packages however Harmon will see loads of rotational snaps. He must also begin in Pittsburgh’s base packages.
“I’m not the one one who sees the makings of a particular participant in Harmon,” Patra concluded.
Pittsburgh is hoping for a similar. The Steelers want youth and impression alongside the defensive position. The unit, together with the remainder of the protection, regarded drained by the top of final season. Heyward is 36 and his snaps are managed extra rigorously than ever. A powerful season up entrance unlocks athletic linebackers Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson to make performs. And a greater run protection means a stronger move rush.
Power is the best phrase to make use of for Harmon. Power on the sector to bully offensive linemen. Power off it to endure a painful loss. All making Harmon a simple rookie to root for and apt choice on this listing.
