New Steelers DT Derrick Harmon Gets Honest About His First Visit To Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers' 2025 NFL Draft Round 1 has finally completed. After months of speculation about what Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin were going to do with their 21st pick, on Thursday night, they drafted Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon. The Steelers needed defensive linemen, and many assumed this was the player Pittsburgh would end up with. Harmon fell to them, and the Steelers couldn’t pass up the opportunity.

Shortly after being selected, Harmon spoke with the media and reflected on his pre-draft visit to Pittsburgh. He shared how comfortable he felt during his time with the coaching staff and how strongly he connected with the environment and culture. It became clear that Pittsburgh left a lasting impression on him, which made hearing his name called by the Steelers that much more meaningful.

Harmon also expressed excitement about joining a defensive line led by longtime captain and 2024 All-Pro Cam Heyward. The chance to learn from a proven leader and respected veteran is something Harmon looks forward to as he begins his NFL career. With the Steelers emphasizing physicality and toughness up front, Harmon fits right into the identity they’re continuing to build.

"Yeah, just sitting down with Coach Mike T, man," Harmon said. "He’s a great guy. He’s very relatable—just to talk to him on a football side and the personal side. I kind of got a feeling—it felt like home during my visit. I’m just happy I’m in Pittsburgh."

Harmon knew during his visit to the Steel City that playing for the Steelers would be something special. The atmosphere, the coaches, and the culture left an imprint on him.

Now that he's officially part of the team, he's eager to get started. He's especially thrilled to play alongside a player he grew up watching in Heyward.

"That was my first thought process when I got the call—was I'm going to be able to pick Cam's brain, be under his wing," Harmon said. "That could be my vet now, and I can really learn from him… He's been doing this forever, since I was a baby, so it wouldn't be no other way I'd want it, really."

The 21-year-old Harmon will now join Keeanu Benton and Heyward on the Steelers’ defensive line. While he’s still very young, the Steelers are well aware of his potential. As is typical with their approach to rookies, the team is expected to ease Harmon into the lineup gradually. He’s a special talent, but it remains to be seen how quickly he’ll earn significant snaps in real game action.

Harmon is viewed as a strong prospect, and his arrival comes at a crucial time. After the Steelers' defense struggled to stop the run in key moments late in the 2024 season, it became clear that adding depth to the defensive line was a pressing need. The team made little noise in free agency to address the issue, but with Harmon, they may have found their answer. Watching him grow alongside Benton and Heyward will be exciting for Steelers fans.

Steelers Are Thrilled To Draft Derrick Harmon

As Harmon begins his journey in Pittsburgh, the excitement surrounding his potential is palpable. Steelers fans are hoping he can bring the kind of energy and dominance to the defensive line that has been missing in recent seasons. With the leadership of Heyward and the foundation laid by Benton, Harmon’s development will be closely watched—especially as the Steelers look to get back to their dominant, run-stuffing ways.

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