Derrick Harmon has emerged as the Steelers’ standout rookie through four weeks, delivering a sack, a tackle for loss and a pass deflection that led to an interception in just two games. His bursts have coincided with Pittsburgh’s strongest defensive stretch this season, signaling real fantasy upside in IDP and DFS if his role grows.

With the rest of the rookie class quiet and no Steelers on the quarter-season All-Rookie list, the bye week becomes a pivot for development and clearer roles. Dynasty managers should monitor Harmon’s snap count and impact plays as the 17-game slate unfolds, while the other rookies jostle for usage behind him.

Pittsburgh trimmed Mark Robinson at the 53-man roaster deadline, a surprise given his special-teams pulse and steady development. The club added Carson Bruener, a seventh-round rookie, to cover a similar role while parting ways with veteran punter Cameron Johnston, a move that stunned Steelers Nation. The moves thin LB depth and shake up special-teams duties as rosters firm up for the season.

Bruener’s path likely tightens Robinson’s exit as roster balance tilts toward special-teams specialists and youthful depth. Fantasy watchers should monitor how these changes shift kick coverage duties and potential early opportunities on defense and special teams alike as preseason concludes.

Pittsburgh's preseason defensive report shows clear winners and losers. Derrick Harmon dropped stock, Yahya Black and Logan Lee rose in depth, Isaiahh Loudermilk and DeMarvin Leal dipped, while Jack Sawyer also fell. Inside linebacker Cole Holcomb surged with steadier play, and Mark Robinson slipped. Carson Bruener impressed enough to push for rotational snaps. Panthers were the test backdrop, underscoring where Pittsburgh must refine roles for Week 1.

Holcomb and Bruener loom as likely Week 1 contributors, Harmon and Loudermilk must rebound, and the edge and coverage units will shape the floor for fantasy streaming. In a crowded defense, volume and snaps will decide which Steelers defenders become reliable fantasy adds early in the season.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially announced the jersey numbers for their 2025 NFL Draft class. Derrick Harmon will don the iconic No. 99, previously worn by renowned player Brett Keisel. Running back Kaleb Johnson has been assigned No. 20, a number last held by cornerback Cameron Sutton, who departed in free agency. Outside linebacker Jack Sawyer, noted as a significant steal of the draft, takes No. 33, while defensive tackle Yahya Black will wear No. 78, formerly belonging to James Daniels, who signed with the Miami Dolphins.

Quarterback Will Howard will sport No. 18, replicating his college number from Ohio State. Linebacker Carson Bruener, son of former Steelers tight end Mark Bruener, will wear No. 44, a tribute to the legacy of Tyler Matakevich. Lastly, cornerback Donte Kent will take No. 34, last worn by safety Terrell Edmunds. These numbers not only reflect individual identities but also pay homage to Steelers' rich history.