Every first-round pick comes in with high expectations, but the ones who don’t pan out usually don’t fail because of their athletic ability. Taking advantage of veteran leadership can go a long way in the NFL. Fortunately, the Pittsburgh Steelers have just the veteran leaders to lean on.
Steelers fans will be happy to know that Derrick Harmon, the 21st overall selection in this year’s draft, is soaking up everything he can from his legendary teammate, Cam Heyward.
“That kid is very inquisitive,” Heyward told reporters at OTAs. “He asks a lot of questions outside of just football. He just wants to be good. He has a good head on his shoulders, and there’s not a lot of him being boastful. Like, ‘I did it this way’ or ‘I did it that way,’ he’s really just trying to learn.”
It’s usually uncommon for rookie Steelers to see the field in their first season, but in recent years, it’s become a more frequent occurrence. Harmon will be no different. He’s expected to be involved heavily in the defensive front’s rotation this season.
There are few players better to learn from than Heyward. In 13 seasons, the former Ohio State Buckeye has racked up 88.5 sacks from the interior defensive line, second only to T.J. Watt in team history.
READ MORE: Steelers' offensive line looking to prove doubters wrong early in OTAs
Harmon grabbed five sacks in his lone season with the Oregon Ducks last season. In fact, statistically speaking, Harmon and Heyward’s final college seasons are rather similar; both had just under 50 total tackles, both posted double-digit tackles for loss, and both secured a handful of sacks.
Harmon is just missing that 80-yard interception return. All in due time, right?
All jokes aside, it’s a good sign that Harmon and Heyward are coming together quickly. Heyward is an all-time leader and player, so for him to be impressed by his new teammate should have Steelers fans excited about their first-round pick.