Cam Heyward is likely to be a bit biased over not simply his new Pittsburgh Steelers teammate however defensive lineman-mate however he’s anticipating massive issues from rookie DL Derrick Harmon this season. And quick. Requested on his Not Simply Soccer podcast to supply the Steelers’ rookie poised to make the most important impression out of the gate, Heyward selected Harmon.
“I’ve loads of respect and I’m excited to see the place he takes off,” Heyward informed co-host Hayden Walsh. “He’s going to get an opportunity to play early. I believe he’s going to have a right away impression.”
Steelers coaches and gamers like Heyward haven’t performed coy with Harmon’s function. Within the spring, defensive position coach Karl Dunbar referred to as him a starter whereas Heyward isn’t being shy concerning the snaps Harmon will see out of the gate. Keeanu Benton and Heyward will nonetheless seemingly begin within the group’s sub-packages, however Harmon is predicted to take over at left defensive finish in base groupings whereas seeing loads of rotational snaps to maintain Benton and Heyward recent all through the sport.
Pittsburgh’s go rush wants extra help from its defensive position. Heyward did its heavy lifting final season, recording eight sacks. The remainder of the defensive position? Simply 4.5. Harmon is robust and athletic coming off a breakout 2024 season with Oregon, posting 5 sacks and main FBS d-linemen with 55 pressures.
“He performs with good palms,” Heyward stated. “He’s capable of transition from run to go quite a bit quicker. And I believe having a very good coach like Karl Dunbar goes to place him in a very good state of affairs.”
At 36, Heyward’s snaps are particularly in want of monitoring. Final 12 months, Pittsburgh rotated him out greater than ever earlier than, although an absence of depth was uncovered when he got here off the sphere.
Even when Harmon is essentially the most outstanding rookie, he gained’t be the one one. Third-round RB Kaleb Johnson will break up carries with RB Jaylen Warren. Fourth-round EDGE Jack Sawyer will see rotational snaps and play lots on particular groups.
A decade in the past, Harmon would’ve been eased into motion. Bided his time behind veterans. It’s a a lot completely different atmosphere right this moment. Harmon will compete with veterans like Daniel Ekuale and Isaiahh Loudermilk but when Harmon performs to his potential, he’ll simply seize a job. Not simply as a Steelers starter however potential inheritor to Heyward’s place as a defensive pillar up entrance.
