Former Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger Calls 2025 Rookie An “Animal”

When Ben Roethlisberger speaks about Pittsburgh Steelers football, people listen. The legendary quarterback’s assessment of rookie defensive lineman Derrick Harmon carries significant weight, and his recent comments on his podcast “Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger” paint a picture of a first-round pick who could transform the Steelers’ defensive front.

Roethlisberger’s Enthusiastic Endorsement

The former quarterback didn’t hold back his excitement when discussing Harmon’s early performance in training camp and preseason action. “Man, [Derrick Harmon]’s going to be an animal,” Roethlisberger declared. “Love to see it, love to see him just basically manhandle people.”

This praise comes from someone who spent 18 seasons facing NFL defensive linemen and understands what separates good players from great ones. Roethlisberger’s observation about Harmon’s ability to “take control of the line” and “take control of his guy” suggests the rookie possesses the physical dominance that championship defenses require.

The veteran quarterback specifically highlighted Harmon’s impressive sack against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second preseason game, where the rookie defensive tackle walked the left guard straight back into the quarterback. This kind of power demonstration early in his career indicates Harmon has the raw strength to compete at the NFL level immediately.

The Perfect Mentorship Opportunity

One of the most intriguing aspects of Harmon’s development is his opportunity to learn from Cameron Heyward, one of the premier defensive linemen in the NFL. Roethlisberger emphasized this mentorship potential, noting that Harmon “is going to learn from Cam [Heyward], he’s going to learn from those guys how to be a vet.”

The timing of Harmon’s arrival couldn’t be better from a developmental standpoint. With Heyward still playing at an All-Pro level despite being 36 years old, the rookie has a front-row seat to watch one of the best defensive players in the game. This mentorship will be crucial as Harmon transitions from college football to the NFL’s increased speed and complexity.

Roethlisberger’s comments about Harmon learning “the little nuances of the game: little techniques, little trick things” highlight how much growth potential remains for the rookie. While his physical tools are evident, the mental and technical aspects of NFL defensive line play will determine his long-term success.

Draft Value and Injury Concerns

The Pittsburgh Steelers struck gold when Harmon fell to their first-round selection due to injury concerns that other teams viewed as red flags. So far, those health issues haven’t materialized during training camp or preseason action, making his availability at Pittsburgh’s draft position look like a significant steal.

Teams that passed on Harmon may already be regretting their decision, especially after seeing his early performance and hearing praise from respected voices like Roethlisberger. The combination of elite physical tools and apparent health has former Steelers players and analysts excited about his potential impact.

Casey Hampton, the former Steelers nose tackle and defensive captain, has also expressed enthusiasm about Harmon’s potential. When multiple former players from different eras praise a rookie’s early showing, it typically indicates special talent that transcends coaching changes and system variations.

Fitting into an Elite Defensive Front

The most exciting aspect of Harmon’s development is how he’ll complement an already loaded defensive front. Playing alongside T.J. Watt, Cameron Heyward, and Alex Highsmith creates a situation where offensive coordinators will struggle to provide adequate protection for their quarterbacks.

Watt’s return to full health and his renewed motivation after a contract extension should command significant attention from opposing offenses. This focus on the edge rusher will create favorable matchups for Harmon in the interior, allowing him to capitalize on one-on-one situations that his physical tools are designed to dominate.

The depth created by adding Harmon to a unit that already includes Keeanu Benton at nose tackle gives defensive coordinator Teryl Austin multiple options for generating pressure and stopping the run. This versatility will be crucial during the long NFL season when injuries and fatigue typically impact defensive effectiveness.

Immediate Impact Expectations

While rookie defensive linemen often face adjustment periods, Harmon’s physical maturity and technical foundation suggest he could contribute immediately. Roethlisberger’s praise for his ability to “manhandle people” indicates the rookie won’t be overwhelmed by NFL-level competition.

The Steelers’ expectations for their defensive front are championship-level, and anything less than dominance will be considered disappointing. With Harmon joining an established group of elite players, the pressure will be on him to contribute meaningful snaps from his first season.

His preseason performance, particularly the sack that caught Roethlisberger’s attention, demonstrates the kind of impact play that could make him a valuable contributor in crucial game situations. These moments of dominance suggest he has the mental toughness to perform when the stakes are highest.

Long-Term Succession Planning

Beyond his immediate impact, Harmon represents the future of the Steelers’ defensive line. With Heyward entering the twilight of his career, finding his eventual replacement has been a priority for the organization. Harmon’s skill set and physical profile make him an ideal candidate to assume that leadership role.

The overlap period where both players will be on the field together provides an invaluable learning opportunity for Harmon. He’ll absorb not just technical knowledge but also the leadership qualities and work ethic that have made Heyward one of the most respected players in the league.

This succession planning reflects the Pittsburgh Steelers’ commitment to maintaining defensive excellence across coaching changes and roster transitions. By investing in Derrick Harmon’s development now, they’re positioning themselves for continued success even after their current defensive stars retire.

Setting the Standard for Excellence

The praise from Ben Roethlisberger and other former Pittsburgh Steelers creates high expectations for Harmon’s rookie season and beyond. These endorsements come with pressure, but they also reflect the organization’s confidence in his ability to meet championship-level standards.

As training camp progresses toward the regular season, Harmon’s continued development will be crucial for the Steelers’ defensive plans. The early returns suggest he has both the physical tools and mental approach necessary to succeed at the highest level.

Ben Roethlisberger’s assessment of Derrick Harmon as a future “animal” on defense carries the weight of championship experience and football wisdom. If the rookie can live up to this praise while continuing to develop under elite mentorship, the Steelers may have found their next defensive cornerstone—and taken a significant step toward returning to championship contention.