Former NFL general manager Doug Whaley expects second-year Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Derrick Harmon to emerge as a key contributor in the upcoming season. Whaley believes Harmon’s development will reduce pressure on veteran Cam Heyward and extend the latter’s high-level play. The comments came during an appearance on 93.7 The Fan.
Whaley stated that Harmon showed promise as a rookie and will likely draw more attention from opposing offenses. This shift, he said, should create better opportunities for Heyward, who remains under contract through the 2027 season.
Harmon was selected in the first round of the 2025 draft. He appeared in 12 regular-season games as a rookie despite missing time with injuries, finishing with 27 tackles and three sacks.
Radio analyst Ray Fittiplado echoed the optimism, describing Harmon as the future anchor of the defensive line while noting additional potential remains untapped.
