Pittsburgh’s first-round draft pick, Derrick Harmon, hit a snag before even stepping onto an NFL field. An MRI conducted during the NFL Scouting Combine in late February revealed a partial tear in his rotator cuff and labrum, casting a shadow over the young defensive lineman’s immediate future with the Steelers. The findings, reported on April 25, sent ripples through the team’s fanbase and front office, though the organization hasn’t flinched from its high-stakes bet on the 21-year-old.
Harmon, a 6-foot-5, 310-pound force from Michigan State, was selected 20th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, held on April 24 in Green Bay. Scouts had pegged him as a cornerstone for Pittsburgh’s defensive line, praising his explosive first step and knack for collapsing pockets. But the medical report, which surfaced just hours after the draft’s first round wrapped, raised red flags. Multiple teams, according to league insiders, slapped a “risk” designation on Harmon’s medical evaluation, wary of the long-term implications of shoulder injuries for a player whose game relies on raw power.
The tears, while partial, aren’t trivial. Rotator cuff and labral injuries can sideline players for weeks or require surgery in severe cases, though no official word has emerged on Harmon’s treatment plan. The Steelers, known for their meticulous draft process, were aware of the MRI results before making their pick. Team doctors and trainers are now tasked with mapping out a recovery timeline, with the clock ticking toward training camp in late July.
Harmon’s college tape tells a story of dominance—12.5 sacks and 34 tackles for loss over three seasons—but injuries weren’t a major theme. He missed just two games in 2024 due to a minor ankle tweak. The Combine MRI, however, peeled back a layer of concern that wasn’t widely known during his Spartan days. Pittsburgh’s decision to roll the dice suggests confidence in their medical staff and Harmon’s resilience.
For now, the rookie’s status remains a question mark. The Steelers’ front office, led by general manager Omar Khan, has stayed mum on specifics, issuing only a brief statement on April 25 acknowledging Harmon’s selection and touting his “tremendous upside.” Fans, meanwhile, are left chewing over the news, hoping their new star can dodge the injury bug that’s plagued other Pittsburgh prospects in recent years.
Harmon is expected to report to the Steelers’ rookie minicamp on May 9. No surgery has been announced, and no official recovery timeline has been released.