The Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to heavily invest in the defensive line over the next couple of years. General Manager Omar Khan and Assistant General Manager Andy Weidl have been known for focusing on the trenches in their short tenure with the Steelers. They added some depth pieces in the 2025 free agency period, but they still need some high-level players that either play nose tackle and/or 3-tech. With their overhaul of the offensive line since 2023, it's time for them to focus on the other side of the trenches.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Zach Frazier and Troy Fautanu work on blocking drills during Organized Team Activities (OTAs).
On a recent episode of First Draft, ESPN NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. gave his latest mock draft, which included the Steelers taking one of the top defensive lineman in the class, Derrick Harmon. However, he sees the future rookie as a guy that will start later on, as opposed to right now.
"We talk about heir apparent to Trent Williams, heir apparent to [Terron Armstead]," explained Kiper. "Cam Heyward cannot play forever. He's a future Hall of Famer, we know that. Derrick Harmon can be one heck of a player in the NFL as well."
Cameron Heyward is expected to play two more seasons with the Steelers, since that was the goal he stated during contract negotiations in the 2024 offseason. Even with his career revival, it's hard for a team to put all their stock in a defensive tackle that will be 36 during the upcoming season, so they will need reinforcements to make sure they don't slow down.
Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Cam Heyward gets ready to make a play during Week 14 against the Cleveland Browns.
Harmon could be a good fit to sit behind Heyward at first and slowly earn more playing time as he gets more experience. Once Heyward retires, Harmon will be able to take over as the full-time starter and allow the whole defensive line unit to continue on without skipping a beat.
Kiper broke down Harmon's game a bit more and explained why he is such a good fit for the Steelers.
"Derrick Harmon has done everything the right way," explained Kiper. "Michigan State, the production wasn't always there, [like] you expected it to be. He put it all together at Oregon, then he had a great combine.
Harmon definitely has the size to fill Heyward's shoes, and he has developed as a pass rusher well as time has went on. He needed time to improve at the college level, and if the Steelers do draft him, he will get all the time he needs to grow as an NFL-caliber interior rusher -- like Heyward did.
Troy Wayrynen / Imagn Images
Oregon DT Derrick Harmon emulates Cam Heyward.
Harmon also has plenty of versatility, meaning he can play as a 3-tech on the other side of the line as well. With Larry Ogunjobi getting cut and Keeanu Benton struggling to find a role, the rookie could get some extra playing time in by filling in next to TJ Watt and developing on both sides of the line. The Steelers love their versatility, which makes Harmon even more likely to wear black and gold in rookie minicamp.
Steelers Will Overhaul The Defensive Line Into 2026
Even if the Steelers draft Harmon with a top pick, it does not mean the Steelers will put their primary focus on other positions afterwards. They still need a nose tackle, and if Benton continues to stagnate in development, they could find his replacement sooner rather than later too. If Watt regresses, they could be in the market for another edge rusher as well, as he is getting up there in age, like Heyward.
The Steelers spent back-to-back first-round picks on offensive tackle in their most recent drafts, along with three more linemen total later on in those same classes. They have shown the amount of capital they are willing to spend to fill in the trenches, so expect 2026 to be a defensive tackle-heavy draft for Pittsburgh.
What do you think about Harmon being drafted to replace Heyward? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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