Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Derrick Harmon is expected to have a breakout 2026 season according to beat writer Mark Kaboly. The 2025 first-round pick recorded three sacks in 12 games as a rookie.
Mark Kaboly said Friday that Harmon is poised for significant improvement. "I think Derrick Harmon’s gonna have a monster year," Kaboly said on 93.7 The Fan’s The PM Team. "That’s the year he jumps and becomes maybe an 8-to-10-sack guy."
Harmon was selected 21st overall in the 2025 draft. He generated 22 pressures in his rookie year, ranking 54th among qualifying defensive linemen per Pro Football Focus. He also showed strength as a run defender.
The Steelers added quarterback Aaron Rodgers and hired head coach Mike McCarthy ahead of the 2026 campaign. Harmon will work with new defensive line coach Domata Peko as he aims to expand his pass-rush production.
Analyst Sam Monson also named Harmon the team’s likely breakout player for 2026.
