Pittsburgh’s 2026 draft thought exercise puts QB conjecture ahead of immediate needs, but the mock stubbornly leans defense with first picks at DT and CB before trying a quarterback later. Caleb Banks (Florida) at defensive tackle anchors the line as Cam Heyward nears the end; Avieon Terrell (Clemson) would give the Steelers a long-term corner with Joey Porter Jr. in the mix. Carson Beck (Miami) arrives in Round 3 as a high-risk, high-reward flier, followed by Baylor’s Josh Cameron to juice the offense after catches and Virginia guard Tomas Rimac in Round 4. The thread tying it together is Rodgers’ potential departure forcing the Steelers to plan a QB pipeline while fortifying the defense and skill players around him.

Pittsburgh’s Week 1 defense is reimagined around six new starters, with Loudermilk stepping in for Heyward as the anchor up front and a reshaped secondary led by Ramsey, Slay and Thornhill. Watt and Highsmith form the edge duo, while Queen and Wilson patrol the middle, complemented by a retooled back end featuring Porter Jr. and Thornhill. The unit leans on speed and versatility to pressure Zach Wilson and throttle the Jets’ passing game from the start, keeping the scoring ceiling high for fantasy defenses.

The secondary’s youth comes with upside and risk, as Slay, Ramsey and Porter Jr. bring playmaking and length, but their cohesion will be tested early. Thornhill provides range at free safety alongside Elliott at deep safety, creating a flexible, hybrid look on nickel. On the defensive line, Harmon’s debut in the rotation, Benton’s interior presence, and Loudermilk’s length inject disruption behind an upgraded linebacking corps. This group projects as a solid Week 1 fantasy play with a real chance for sacks, turnovers and a stout run stop.

From a fantasy perspective, Week 1 figures to be a grind-the-stats matchup for the Jets, with Pittsburgh's revamped front seven and savvy defensive backs posing frequent challenges. The Steelers’ mix of veteran leadership and youthful athleticism offers a high floor for tackles and a ceiling for big plays, especially with Watt and Highsmith teeing off. The new-look secondary can generate interceptions and pass deflections, heightening fantasy upside in a low-scoring affair.

Kaleb Johnson's Week 2 preseason burst against Tampa Bay put a bright spotlight on the Steelers' rookie backfield. Johnson flashed patience, burst through creases, and showed enough contact balance to suggest he can handle more than conventional preseason carries. Even in Pittsburgh's 17-14 loss, his ability to threaten the second and third levels stood out, earning quiet praise from Mike Tomlin as one of the rookies who shined. The performance fuels optimism about his potential role as the Steelers finalize their backfield mix.

With Derrick Harmon also drawing Tomlin's attention after the game, Pittsburgh heads to Carolina for another tune-up, offering Johnson another platform to prove he belongs in the plans for 2025. Fantasy managers should monitor how Pittsburgh slices carries behind Najee Harris and whether Johnson carves out a significant early-down or change-of-pace role. The backfield narrative remains fluid, but Johnson’s early-showing provides a tangible path to real NFL snaps this season.

Pittsburgh’s second preseason outing spotlighted two rookie standouts: Derrick Harmon and Kaleb Johnson. Harmon dominated on the edge, knotting up a sack on Ben Scott while Johnson surged for 59 yards from scrimmage across 12 touches, signaling the Steelers' desired early impact from their 2025 draft selections.

Tomlin’s postgame reflection emphasized the growth that comes with a second stadium appearance, reinforcing faith in the two rookies as they prepare for the 2025 regular season opener against the Jets at MetLife. Fantasy managers should monitor how Harmon and Johnson press for meaningful snaps as Pittsburgh leans on youth to fuel depth and versatility.

With the Jets looming, these preseason flashes could translate into early-season opportunities, particularly in sub-packages and third-down scenarios. Steelers coverage and fantasy angles will hinge on how Pittsburgh deploys Harmon and Johnson in Week 1, making them notable late-draft targets or waiver adds as September nears.

Derrick Harmon, the Steelers’ 20th‑overall pick in 2025, flashed instantly in the preseason, recording his first Steelers sack against the Buccaneers and level‑setting Ben Scott with a bull rush that freed Kyle Trask. The rookie’s rapid rise to a starting defensive end role signals a high‑ceiling impact candidate for Pittsburgh’s front seven this season.

With Cam Heyward mentoring Harmon and pursuing a new deal, the veteran’s absence adds urgency to Harmon's workload, while still anchoring the defensive culture. The story also spotlights Tampa Bay’s rookie guard in Scott and Trask’s exposure to edge pressure, themes that will echo through camp and into Week 1 coverage. Follow TheSteelersWire for ongoing preseason and contract updates as these threads shape the Steelers’ defensive narrative.

For fantasy managers tracking edge production, Harmon’s trajectory is worth monitoring: continued opportunity, favorable matchups, and the Steelers’ defensive depth could translate into meaningful sack and tackle counts if this early pace persists into the opener.