Pittsburgh, PA – October 20, 2025

After a crushing 31–33 loss to the Bengals, the Steelers’ defense has come under fire — and no one felt that sting more than veteran captain

T.J. Watt. Known for setting the tone with effort and leadership, Watt was back at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex by 4 A.M. the next morning, determined to fix what went wrong.

But when he walked in, someone was already there.

“He looked like he never left after the loss,” Watt said quietly. “That’s when I knew this kid gets it. He’s built for Pittsburgh.”

That “kid” is Derrick Harmon, the Steelers’ rookie defensive tackle out of Oregon — and the 24th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Through four games, Harmon has started every one, posting

14 tackles (8 solo), 2.5 sacks, 5 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble — numbers that already put him in early contention for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Harmon has flashed explosive power next to Cam Heyward and Keeanu Benton in the Steelers’ 3-4 front, filling the void left by Larry Ogunjobi’s offseason departure. His blend of speed, leverage, and awareness has made him an immediate impact player. In Week 1 against the Jets, he recorded a crucial pressure on Justin Fields that sealed a narrow 34–32 win. By Week 3, he was dominating interior gaps, tallying a sack and four tackles against New England.

Even with the loss to Cincinnati, Harmon’s intensity stood out. “Harmon has Steeler DNA — grit and dominance,” said head coach Mike Tomlin, praising the rookie’s attitude after the defeat.

Fans on X have taken notice too, with one post from @SteelersDepot going viral: “He’s Heyward 2.0. The future of the Steelers’ D-line starts now.”

For a team searching for answers on defense, Derrick Harmon may already be the one providing them — not just through stats, but through relentless effort.

Because while the Steelers’ veterans mourned the loss, their rookie stayed behind — ready to rebuild the standard, one rep at a time.