The Pittsburgh Steelers have struggled on the defensive line ever since Stephon Tuitt played his last snap in the NFL. They have tried to replace him with draft picks and free agents, but the impact he had has not been replicated, no matter who lined up at his position. With the amount of defensive tackle depth in the 2025 draft, this could be the time that the Steelers finally find the man that fills that hole for the first time since Tuitt's 11-sack campaign in 2020.
AP Photo
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive linemen, Stephon Tuitt (#91) and Cam Heyward (#97) celebrate at Heinz field in a regular season game against the Seattle Seahawks. |
Draft analyst Mike Renner made an appearance on 93.7 The Fan to talk about the upcoming draft. Not only did he see one particular player as a perfect fit, but he also compared that prospect to Tuitt.
"I love Derrick Harmon. He feels like a Steelers sort of defensive lineman, almost like a Stephon Tuitt with his length, with his size, just a power player," said Renner. "I think he's the best defensive tackle in this draft class outside of Mason Graham. He's a Top 12 guy on my board."
Derrick Harmon have been linked to the Steelers on numerous occasions. They have had a Top 30 visit with the standout interior rusher from the Oregon Ducks, and it would not be surprising if the Steelers fell in love with him in the process for multiple reasons. Of course, the position is a major need for Pittsburgh, and there are no big-time starters left in free agency.
Troy Wayrynen / Imagn Images
Oregon DT Derrick Harmon emulates Cam Heyward.
While Harmon may not exactly fit as a nose tackle, he can play on both defensive tackle spots on the line. If he were to be drafted, he would likely initially compete with Keeanu Benton, and the two could rotate in and out in 2025.
Steelers Could Use The 2025 NFL Draft To Eventually Replace Cameron Heyward
With Cameron Heyward getting older, Harmon could also take over some reps here and there at the captain's spot on the defensive line. Heyward will still be around for two more seasons, so it's not like this draft pick means he is retiring immediately after 2025, but the Steelers could still be looking for the future.
Once Heyward retires and Harmon develops in the Steelers' system, he could eventually take over the Heyward's role full-time. He will have plenty of time to grow before that happens, however. If it works, Pittsburgh may have something even better than their Tuitt replacement. Even if the front office wants to win now, it makes sense to prepare for the future as well.
Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Cam Heyward gets ready to make a play during Week 14 against the Cleveland Browns.
Renner continued on, saying that Harmon being picked at 21 would be more than a scheme fit: it would be amazing value.
"I really like Harmon's tape; I just think he is what an NFL defensive tackle, like a Pro Bowl sort of tackle looks like. I'd honestly be surprised if he falls to 21 at this point," said Renner. "That's just my [evaluation] on him, and maybe he does, and if he does, it would be a home run pick."
One other thing to note is that Harmon is the only first-round-caliber defensive tackle that the Steelers had a Top 30 visit with as of now. It seems like he is their top guy at the position. If he is not available, they may draft a different position entirely or trade out of that pick and wait to address the interior line for a later round.
Harmon falling to 21 would easily be the best-case scenario for the Steelers. Instead of reaching in a weak quarterback class or making the mistake of drafting a running back in the first-round again, they could fill a massive hole with the best player available, and he could be a huge boost to the team in the short-term (as well as the long-term future).
What do you think about Harmon being a replacement for Tuitt and/or Heyward? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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