Protecting the endzone has long been the lifeblood of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Even before Mike Tomlin took over in 2007, the franchise was known for its physical, hard-nosed identity forged during the Steel Curtain era. Tomlin has made it a point to preserve that legacy, building defenses capable of dominating at every level.
The most consistent modern-day contributor to this identity is All-Pro edge rusher T.J. Watt. With his 108 sacks and 33 forced fumbles since being drafted in the first round in 2017, Watt has cemented himself as one of the premier defenders in the NFL.
Now, as the Steelers enter the 2025 NFL Draft with the 21st overall pick, the opportunity to bolster their defensive front could significantly impact Watt’s chances of winning his second Defensive Player of the Year award. If Pittsburgh’s draft projections are accurate, and they land Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, the results could be game-changing.
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Harmon is a prospect who can unlock another level of dominance from Watt. A 6-foot-5, 315-pound disruptor, he possesses a rare combination of size, strength, and quickness. His ability to demand double teams on the interior makes life significantly easier for edge rushers.
With Harmon clogging running lanes and collapsing the pocket from the inside, Watt would have more freedom to exploit one-on-one matchups on the outside—something he’s proven to do better than almost anyone in the league.
Derrick Harmon is the perfect fit for the Pittsburgh Steelers defensive identity
Even more intriguing is Harmon’s profile, which mirrors that of longtime Steelers defensive captain Cameron Heyward. While Heyward has been a foundational piece in the locker room and a Pro Bowl-caliber player for over a decade, age and injuries have worn him down. Harmon could represent a seamless succession plan—bringing a similar motor, mindset, and versatility.
Adding a force like Harmon wouldn’t just help Watt statistically—it would make opposing offenses rethink their game plans entirely. With double teams funneled toward the rookie, and Heyward still commanding respect, it’s hard to imagine teams being able to account for Watt’s speed and technique off the edge.
Productivity and impact drive postseason awards. Outstanding stats and film could swing in Watt’s favor.
Watt already owns a Defensive Player of the Year trophy, winning the honor in 2021 after tying the NFL single-season sack record. But with players like Micah Parsons and Myles Garrett garnering attention each season, the margin for error is razor-thin.
That’s why a running mate like Derrick Harmon could be the difference in putting Watt back on top of the conversation.
If the Steelers’ draft predictions are right, Harmon will fall to them at No. 21. It won’t just be a win for the defensive line—it could set the stage for another historic season for T.J. Watt.