The Pittsburgh Steelers used their first-round pick to select Oregon defensive lineman Derrick Harmon 21st overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, looking to bolster a defensive line unit that had been eviscerated on the ground by the Baltimore Ravens in the Wildcard Round of the playoffs. Harmon was one of the top defensive line prospects in the draft, and fell right into Pittsburgh’s lap as a near-perfect fit for their scheme.
One would expect Harmon to contribute early in his rookie season, given his pedigree and the investment Pittsburgh made in him. However, would it be fair to expect Harmon to be a starter Day 1 when the 2025 regular season kicks off September 7 against the New York Jets?