When it comes to edge rushers, Mike Tomlin and the Steelers never cut corners. The pass rush unit of Pittsburgh? Completely loaded. Even though Steelers Nation is anxious about T.J. Watt’s future contract status, he remains the team’s face. Nick Herbig and Alex Highsmith are more than just competent sidekicks behind him. They truly are disruptive. But given their lengthy rotation and history of turmoil off the edge, the last thing anyone anticipated was a first-round pick of another D-lineman, one who is daring enough to throw a jab at Pittsburgh’s pass rush.

The Oregon defensive end, Derrick Harmon, arrived hot, self-assured, and quite outspoken. The type of rookie who will mention the standout player from a rival team. And that will ‘just play around’ by highlighting the Steelers’ greatest defensive asset and labelling it a problem. Mike Tomlin heard that. And no, he didn’t flinch. Because this kid? He could be just what Tomlin is looking for.

It was a moment of honesty—until it wasn’t. An Instagram reel of Derrick Harmon thinking back on his football heroes was shared by Cam Heyward’s podcast, NotJustFootball. At first, he was all praise for Cam’s run-stuffing prowess. But when it came to pass rush? “This man [Cam] right here played so consistently in the run with his hand. Then you playing that 4-I, I never played 4-I in my life. It was a straight out I came from Michigan State. It was a straight four-down front that you were attacking. Of course, we play 4-I here now. So just trying to learn little key things like that, and, uh, in a pass rush, I say Chris Jones for sure.”

Yep. He said it sugarcoating his honest opinion. The rookie did not cite the Steelers’ stacked rotation as his pass-rush motivation, but rather Kansas City’s defensive wrecking ball, Chris Jones. Not even his mentor Cam Heyward, not Alex Highsmith, and not T.J. Watt. But if you know Mike Tomlin, you would know he does not concern himself with such opinions. Because that edge and audacity are everything that he lives for.

Still, Harmon’s words struck with ironic accuracy. Particularly under Mike Tomlin’s leadership, Pittsburgh’s defensive identity has been built on edge dominance. However, with T.J. uneasy, Cam getting older, and the Steelers’ playoff window closing, Harmon’s opinion might have done more than that—it might have set off a fire.

And if you’re wondering if the Steelers expected that level of fire, the answer is yes. Harmon’s draft selection was described by Mike Tomlin as an act of “extreme urgency.” That doesn’t occur unless you know the rookie will question the status quo, even if it means upsetting others in the process. Harmon’s remarks may have caused some people to take notice, but they might also have been the reason behind Pittsburgh’s unexpected move at No. 21, because you should not whisper if you want to shake up the trenches.

Derrick Harmon reveals the hidden influence behind his NFL rise

Derrick Harmon, despite the attention-grabbing phrase, is more than simply a rookie heat-check; he is a living homage to his mentors. Among them? A well-known name in the locker room of the Steelers. “It came from Jacob Slade.” Only five words. But behind them is a world of respect.

Before Harmon went to Oregon or started his NFL journey. And before Cam Heyward and Mike Tomlin became a regular part of his life, he was only a Michigan State freshman attempting to make ends meet. And teammate Steelers defensive end Jacob Slade set the tone. Harmon claimed, “He was my OG at the time. He taught me how to play that college-level game, how to work out, how to do certain things at that level.” After bouncing between practice squads and going undrafted in 2023, Slade is finally reunited with the rookie he previously coached. That’s how brutal the NFL can be. Though there are plenty of full-circle moments but there are also some moments that are more devastating than a blindside blitz.

And Mike Tomlin? He must be grinning as he watches the reunion. Because that’s a powerful combination if Harmon’s future is based on Slade’s foundation and Chris Jones’ ceiling. However, Harmon’s path hasn’t been entirely paved with success and guidance. Tragic events occurred just days after being drafted. Tiffany Saine, his mother, died after years of fighting health issues. He remarked, “She did everything for me. Everything I do is for her.”

And now, despite his grief, he’s dressed in gold and black, not only for her but also for himself. So, even though Harmon may have thrown a jab at the Steelers’ pass rush legacy, Mike Tomlin has a rookie who exudes respect, speaks boldly, and battles with passion.