Steelers DL Derrick Harmon, CB Beanie Bishop in line for starting roles

Spring practices did not settle any position battles around the NFL, of course. In the case of the Steelers, though, a pair of young defenders are in line for first-team action on a permanent basis pending on how training camp shakes out.

Derrick Harmon was among the five interior defensive linemen who were selected during the opening round of this year’s draft. As Pittsburgh’s top choice (No. 21 overall), expectations will be high regarding production during his rookie season. Harmon will have plenty of opportunities to make an impact.

When speaking about the Oregon product, defensive line coach Karl Dunbar confirmed (via Mike DeFabo of The Athletic) Harmon will begin the year as a defensive tackle starter. With no padded practices taking place until training camp, offensive and defensive linemen can often struggle to make an impact during spring practices. Given the Steelers’ depth beyond Cameron Heyward along the defensive interior, though, Harmon represents a logical candidate to handle a heavy workload right away in the NFL.

Heyward is entering his age-36 season and 2025 marks the final year of his current deal with guaranteed salary. Harmon – who led all FBS D-linemen in quarterback pressures during his standout senior campaign with the Ducks -will be tasked with establishing himself as a long-term stalwart along the interior especially once Heyward’s career ends. For at least one year, though, they will operate as a tandem.

Elsewhere on the Steelers’ roster, Beanie Bishop appears to be positioned for an uptick in usage. The 2024 UDFA saw notable playing time early in his rookie season, but his role shrank once veteran Cameron Sutton returned from suspension. As DeFabo notes, though, Bishop has moved toward a full-time position as Pittsburgh’s slot corner for this season. Joey Porter Jr. and free agent signing Darius Slay will be handle starting duties on the perimeter, and the team has made additions capable of playing in the slot. Bishop is aware of that competition as he prepares for training camp.

“At the end of the day, they still don’t have a lot of money invested in me,” Bishop said (via DeFabo). “They obviously drafted a guy [seventh-rounder Donte Kent] this year. Brought in [free agent Brandin Echols]. So I’m never just comfortable and like, ‘Oh yeah, this is my spot.’”

Bishop wound up logging a 50% defensive snap share last season, and a strong summer performance could pave the way for an ever larger figure in 2025. He and Harmon will each play a notable role in Pittsburgh’s efforts to rebound from an underwhelming finish to the campaign last year.