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• Updated Jun 18, 2026 at 2:10pm

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Former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Vince Williams hyped defensive lineman Derrick Harmon as a breakout candidate for the 2026 NFL season.

First-round pick Derrick Harmon had a very solid rookie season for the Pittsburgh Steelers last fall. But Harmon could be due for an even bigger season during 2026.

That’s what former Steelers starting linebacker Vince Williams argued during his Wednesday appearance on Steelers Nation Radio.

Williams hyped Harmon as a breakout player for the Steelers in 2026.

“That guy right there made a world of a difference when he was on the field,” Williams said. “I’ll keep saying it, your rookie year is a whirlwind for those young guys, just based on you don’t know what to expect. The unknown is the biggest opponent that you’re facing when you’re a rookie.

“I think the second year jump for [Harmon] is going to be amazing. I think he’s going to come out and tear it up.”

Harmon played in 12 games, starting eight of those contests, as a rookie last season. He posted 27 combined tackles, including one tackle for loss. Harmon also had five quarterback hits, three sacks and one pass defense.