The Pittsburgh Steelers selected defensive tackle Derrick Harmon in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The former Oregon Duck is having a phenomenal rookie year, one that his defensive coordinator,
Teryl Austin, is taking note of.
“When Derrick Harmon plays, we’re good,” Austin said on Wednesday.
When talking about Harmon’s snaps against two-time all-pro offensive tackle Penei Sewell, Austin sang more of the same praises.
“It didn’t look like a mismatch, I’ll tell you that.”
Austin’s comments could not be more complimentary of the way the rookie has played, but they also could not be more true. Pittsburgh’s run defense has been very up and down this season, but much like Austin said, when Harmon is on the field, the Steelers stop the run a lot better.
In the five games Harmon has missed this season, the Steelers have conceded an average of 165.6 yards per game. However, when Harmon is in the lineup, that number drops to an average of 87.9 yards per contest.
Advanced statistics also bear this out.
The Steelers held the Lions to a season low 15 yards rushing last weekend, coincidentally the first game that the young defensive tackle has played since suffering an injury against the Chicago Bears on November 23rd.
It makes sense that Austin is gushing over his rookie defender. The proof is in the pudding, after all. The Steelers seem to have found another potential star for their defensive line.
What do you think of Derrick Harmon and how he has performed so far in his rookie year? Join the BTSC community and let us know in the comments down below!
