With the season quickly approaching, every team, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, has fresh rookie talent waiting to make an impact. Meanwhile, the 2025 draft class enters 2026 as young veterans, and several players are expected to take the next step. The Steelers received strong contributions from last year's rookie class, and now they're poised to see what Derrick Harmon can do in his second season.
FanSided reviewed every NFL team's top breakout candidate, and Harmon was the clear choice after a productive but injury-plagued rookie campaign.
“The Steelers saw Harmon, their 2025 first-round pick, play in just 12 games due to injury and he still registered 3 sacks in limited time. With a healthy offseason behind him, Harmon should be ready to step into a starting role on Pittsburgh's defensive line and be a pocket disruptor thanks to his unique athleticism for a man of his size.” Mike Phillips wrote.
Harmon's breakout could shape the Steelers' future
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Harmon battled several injuries last season, but he made his presence felt whenever he was on the field. If he can stay healthy in 2026, he'll be one of the Steelers' top breakout candidates. His greatest strength is his run defense, but his biggest opportunity for growth comes as a pass rusher. He flashed that potential throughout his rookie season. If he puts everything together in 2026, he could help define the future of Pittsburgh's defensive front.
Cam Heyward continues to defy Father Time, but eventually the Steelers will need the next cornerstone on the interior defensive line. Harmon's breakout could signal that the future has arrived. He remains the ideal heir apparent, and his development will go a long way toward determining the trajectory of this defense. It could also play a significant role in how far the Steelers can go in 2026.
If Harmon breaks out, the Steelers' defense will follow
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Payton Wilson and Patrick Queen are critical pieces of the Steelers' defense. Their presence in the middle of the field allows the unit to operate at a higher level, but everything starts up front. If Harmon takes a significant step forward, he'll make life much easier for the linebackers behind him. He won't just strengthen the defensive line's depth, he has the potential to elevate the entire defense.
That starts with continuing to dominate against the run while taking the next step as a pass rusher. Whether it's collapsing the pocket or finishing sacks, the Steelers need more disruption from Harmon if they want to reach the level defensive coordinator Patrick Graham envisions. Heyward and Sebastian Joseph-Day will play important roles in his development, but the rest is up to Harmon.
The 2026 season will reveal a great deal about the direction of this team, and Harmon will be one of its most important pieces.
