The Pittsburgh Steelers bolstered their defensive line during Round 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft, as the team selected Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon with the No.21 overall pick.
Harmon was a pivotal piece to the Ducks' defense in 2024, as he played nearly 600 snaps and tallied five sacks and 55 quarterback pressures with 25 defensive stops. The 21-year-old should be an immediate starter for Pittsburgh and form a formidable duo with Cam Heyward on the interior of the defensive line.
General manager Omar Khan and head coach Mike Tomlin passed on a quarterback for Harmon, a player who scouts believe could be an instant contributor at the next level.
Derrick Harmon scouting reports
NFL.com's Lance Zierlein: "Position-versatile building block that makes moving the football a much tougher task. Harmon is wide, long and naturally powerful at the point of attack. He can create traffic jams inside as a two-gapper or stunt and power his way into the backfield. He’s unlikely to be a primary sack man, but he can be part of a swarm unit that batters the pocket. He’s high-cut and tight-hipped, which limits his agility and reactive athleticism to finish. Harmon can play up and down the line in both odd and even fronts. He will bring an instant dose of stinginess and toughness to any defense he joins."
Pro Football Network's Ian Cummings: "There’s something to be said about a DT who’s reliable in both phases of the game. Whether you need a pass-rushing catalyst or a stout run defender with two-gapping ability, Oregon’s Derrick Harmon has what you need. That’s why he’s a popular Round 1 target. Harmon’s pad level can drift high at times, and he has moderate hip stiffness, which can limit his versatility as a stunting lineman. That said, as a two-gapping Goliath with a ruthless power element and motor in the passing game, Harmon has impact starter upside."
The 33rd Team's Kyle Crabbs: "Derrick Harmon projects best as a 3-tech at the NFL level. His movement skills are most impactful when he’s playing forward, although he could play as an end on an odd front if he illustrates better leverage discipline. Harmon is likely a rotational defender early in his NFL career before developing into a high-volume snap taker by the end of his rookie contract."
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