Steelers Now
Derrick Harmon turned out to be a wise first-round draft pick for the Pittsburgh Steelers this season. Cam Heyward’s successor got to learn the ropes while also showing the requisite smarts and ability to help make life harder on opposing offenses.
However, in a 2025 NFL Draft do-over, NFL.com’s Ali Bhanpuri had the Steelers passing on Harmon — who fell out of the first round of the revision entirely — and drafting Missouri Tigers product and current Chicago Bears receiver Luther Burden III with the No. 21 overall pick.
Tailback Kenneth Gainwell led the Steelers in receptions (73) this season, while no wideout other than DK Metcalf had more than 375 receiving yards.
“Pittsburgh’s passing offense lacked punch all season long, in large part because, outside of DK Metcalf, it was short on playmakers who could separate and consistently created after the catch,” Bhanpuri wrote Wednesday’s. “Seemingly every one of Burden’s receptions was highlight-reel-worthy, with the first-year wideout boasting the third-highest YAC per catch (7.4) and second-highest passer rating when targeted (123.1 – behind only Puka Nacua) among ALL receivers with at least 50 targets in 2025, per Next Gen Stats.
“Although the Bears rookie did struggle with drops (five), I’m sure the Steelers would’ve lived with those miscues if it meant having a true No. 2 option for Aaron Rodgers.”
Burden totaled 652 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 47 catches as a rookie. Ben Johnson’s Bears netted him in the second round (No. 39 overall).
Meanwhile, Harmon was a difference-maker on the Steelers’ defensive front. Mike Tomlin’s defense did considerably better against the run when he was healthy, and the Steelers are hoping he’ll be a key part of their resistance going forward.
Harmon finished his rookie go-round with 27 combined tackles, three sacks, a pass defended and a fumble recovery over 12 games. He started eight.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers Take Playmaking WR In 2025 NFL Draft Do-Over
