Cam Heyward Feels Accountable for Derrick Harmon’s Success
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defensive lineman Derrick Harmon at OTAs on May 28, 2025.– Ed Thompson/ Steelers Now UNITY TWP, Pa.– Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro defensive tackle Camera Heyward wants to pass the torch to novice protective lineman Derrick Harmon, much like how Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel did for him.
“I are accountable for that boy. I was brought in this league by guys taking care of me,” Heyward stated during a current interview on NFL Network’s Within Training school Live. “Therefore, when I step on that field and I get an opportunity to speak to ’em, there’s not holding any tricks. I want ’em to be successful. I desire ’em to have good method, and then simply apply on it as the years keep coming.”
Harmon has turned heads at training school. The Steelers might have an increasing star.
Harmon has actually looked quick, physical and strong. He’s made plays in the backfield, pushed the quarterback, controlled offensive linemen with his physicality, and normally been the very best Steelers protective lineman on the field, outside of Heyward.
According to Alan Saunders of Steelers Now, everyone he’s talked to in Latrobe has gushed about the play of No. 99 up until now. It’s a long way to go, but optimism is rising that the Steelers’ first-round pick might have an extremely strong rookie season.
Harmon is attempting to get 2 things focused before the routine season starts.
“Actually simply come down this speed of the game, ’cause this is an entire [another] speed.'” Harmon told reporters on Sunday. “And then actually simply hone in on this defense in my playbook. I’m in my playbook every night, so simply really trying focus on those crucial things.”
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Derrick Harmon at training camp on July 25, 2025.– Ed Thompson/ Steelers Now ESPN analytics analyst Seth Walder predicted that Harmon will win the 2025 NFL Defensive Novice of the Year. The expectations are very high for the Detroit native.
“I don’t do a great deal of possibility examining, but I do look at pass rushing and have produced a sack-rate projection model that forecasts sacks numbers for the very first few seasons of a player’s profession. It uses information– taking into account things like their college pressure and pass rush win-rates, quality of school they went to and bet, combine information,” Walder stated, by means of Steelers Takeaways. “Harmon graded strongly– he was sixth in his class. As a protective tackle, getting sacks is more outstanding than somebody who gets the exact same variety of sacks as an edge rush, and the DROY awards pass rushers, mostly. And playing beside [Cameron] Heyward, [T.J.] Watt, [Nick] Herbig and [Alex] Highsmith ought to give him some good chances to get sacks.”
Many believe Harmon would have been a leading 10 pick if it weren’t for injury issues surrounding his shoulder. His MRI at the 2025 NFL Scouting Integrate pressed him down draft boards as it revealed a partly torn rotator cuff and a torn labrum.
However, he has actually dismissed any concerns relating to the concern considering that.
“Absolutely nothing’s wrong with my shoulder,” Harmon said. “I’m one hundred percent healthy, ready to go.”
Khan and head coach Mike Tomlin also dismissed any worries.
“We wouldn’t have actually picked him unless our medical staff was comfortable with it,” Khan said after the team prepared him.
In his 3 seasons of college football, Harmon did not miss a single game due to injury. He played 38 games.
If Harmon can stay healthy and equate his play to the next level, he will certainly have a good opportunity to earn some hardware by the end of his rookie season. Evaluating by how Harmon’s took a look at camp, he looks like the genuine offer.
Alan Saunders provided reporting from St. Vincent College.
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