One of the Pittsburgh Steelers' most pressing concerns entering the 2025 season is fixing the team's deteriorating defensive line. Throughout free agency, most of the team's moves have been on offense. That includes trading for star wide receiver, DK Metcalf, signing running back Kenneth Gainwell, and re-signing quarterback Mason Rudolph. The defensive side of the ball will surely be addressed in the upcoming NFL Draft.
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Steelers' DK Metcalf celebrates as a former member of the Seattle Seahawks.
A new mock draft was released by NFL analyst Todd McShay, that may give the Steelers a blueprint for improving their trenches. McShay predicts the Steelers to land Oregon Ducks defensive lineman, Derrick Harmon, in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Harmon had previously played at Michigan State University for three years. In his time with the Spartans, Harmon had 69 total tackles, one and a half sacks, and one forced fumble. In his final year playing for the Ducks, Harmon put up 45 total tackles, five sacks, and two forced fumbles.
"It could sting if Jaxon Dart and TreVeyon Henderson come off the board with the two picks before this," said McShay. "And remember, the Steelers traded away their second-rounder (52nd overall) as part of the DK Metcalf deal. So I think that the Steelers will go trenches in this scenario, drafting an offensive tackle like Josh Simmons who could fill the void of Dan Moore Jr. or kick inside to guard, or a defensive tackle like [Derrick] Harmon, who could add depth and eventually replace the soon-to-be-36-year-old Cameron Heyward opposite emerging difference-maker Keeanu Benton."
Having traded away their second-round pick, the Steelers need to make their first-round pick count.
"Impressive upper body strength to gain control of the block and get extension against interior offensive linemen as a run defender," and, "Takes on blocks with a wide base and good pad level to help stay in his gap against double teams and combo blocks," read Harmon's scouting report.
As far as defensive prospects go, it doesn't get much more promising than Harmon. His positives as an effective and tough blocker dwarf any negatives listed on Harmon's draft report.
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Oregon DT Derrick Harmon emulates Cam Heyward.
Among the things for the defensive lineman to work on, the draft report lists that his gap discipline as a run defender can improve and that he has a habit of dropping his hands as a pass rusher. McShay clarified why he thought that Harmon would be a great fit for the Steelers.
"At 6-foot-5 and 313 pounds, 34 3/8 inch arms, Harmon has the prototypical size and length to match his impressive movement skills along the interior. The Michigan State transfer thrived along the interior for the Oregon Ducks, who went undefeated in the regular season."
Who Are The Steelers' Current NFL Draft Prospects?
While taking a defensive lineman would be Pittsburgh's safest bet in the 2025 draft, no one can predict how it will unfold. Until the Steelers' situation at quarterback is resolved, finding a starting signal-caller will be the team's top priority. If a veteran quarterback is not found in free agency, the team may resort to the draft to find one.
A top defensive prospect like Harmon is likely to be taken in the first round, and without a second-round pick, taking a quarterback would sacrifice the Steelers' chances of landing Harmon or other top defensive players in the draft.
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The Pittsburgh Steelers take part in the 2021 NFL Draft.
If the Steelers are able to land a promising veteran quarterback during free agency, the team's need to improve the defensive line will be treated with more urgency. Harmon's chances of becoming a Steeler, like many other players, are tied to a position they don't even play. Hopefully, the quarterback search will come to a close sooner rather than later, and players like Harmon will have a better shot at becoming Steelers.
Would you want the Steelers to get Harmon in the draft? Do you think Pittsburgh should take a defensive lineman in round one, or a different position? Let us know in the comments!
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