Steelers' Mike Tomlin Has High Praise For Standout First-Round Pick

Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin spoke to the media following the second day of the team's rookie minicamp. Tomlin has spoken positively about multiple players from the Steelers' 2025 draft class, noting that the coaching staff has seen flashes of talent from players selected up and down the draft board. Sixth-round pick Will Howard has reportedly looked very comfortable in the early stages, which is something that the Steelers are expected to monitor very closely. With multiple rookies showing signs of what's to come in the near future, nobody stood out more than first-round selection Derrick Harmon.

Harmon, who was selected by the Steelers with the 21st overall pick in the first round, is an elite and NFL-ready talent that is expected to make a major impact this year. 

The former Oregon Duck has size, strength and athleticism that played a major role in his first round selection, as Harmon was a constant problem for opposing offensive linemen in college. Widely regarded as one of the top defensive tackles in the entire class, Harmon has an extremely impressive first step for his size and should have no problem shining during his first season in Pittsburgh.

Following the second day of the Steelers' rookie minicamp, Tomlin was asked about multiple players and their individual performances so far. When asked about Harmon, however, Tomlin spoke about how well the rookie has been thriving.

“He feels very comfortable," Tomlin said. "He’s in his element. He has a great relationship with football, and he’s learning some of the technical things that we will be asking him to do here. It's been a good process."

Tomlin, who had many positive things to say about Harmon prior to drafting him as well, played a major role in the former Oregon Duck's first-round selection. After an extremely impressive performance at the NFL Scouting Combine, Harmon was a safe and very strong pick that comes with a ton of potential upside. 

Standing at 6'5" and weighing in at a massive 310 pounds, Harmon should bring a level of grit and physicality that will fit perfectly on the Steelers' defensive line. With his elite size and strength, Harmon has the ability to become one of the best run-stopping defensive tackles throughout the entire NFL.

Steelers' Rookie Class Showing Promise

As the Steelers continue to prepare for the start of training camp, Tomlin and his staff will continue to evaluate the performances of the entire 2025 draft class. With former college stars like Will Howard and Jack Sawyer continuing to turn heads alongside Harmon, the Steelers may find themselves with an extremely productive rookie class entering the 2025 season. 

Howard, a five-year college veteran who played at both Kansas State and Ohio State, has started off very well. With the current state of the Steelers' quarterback room and with Howard's rapid improvement, the former Buckeye may find himself fighting for a more competitive role than previously thought entering this season.

Sawyer, a four-year college veteran spending his career entirely at Ohio State, is another player for Steelers fans to keep an eye on throughout rookie camp. The former Buckeye has reportedly shown flashes of what's to come, as Sawyer is expected to take on both rotational and special teams roles to begin the season. 

The 6'5", 260-pound linebacker was drafted with the 123rd pick in the fourth round by the Steelers, as he is widely regarded as one of the many late round picks with tons of untouched potential. With Harmon, Sawyer and Howard all officially suiting up as Steelers for the first time, head coach Mike Tomlin and his staff will continue evaluating the 2025 rookie class throughout the offseason.

Which Steelers rookie are you looking forward to seeing play most? Comment below!

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