The Pittsburgh Steelers have been one of the biggest mysteries as the 2025 NFL Draft has approached. Entering Thursday evening, many remained completely out of the loop regarding what the organization could have been planning to do. With needs at quarterback, running back and on the defensive line, mock drafts all over the internet had the franchise going in numerous different directions. The fan base was extremely excited for the first round to finally begin so that it could finally get the answers it has been desiring since the 2024 campaign came to a close. General Manager Omar Khan and Head Coach Mike Tomlin officially have made a decision.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan (left) and Head Coach Mike Tomlin (right) sit in the franchise's draft room as they anxiously watch the board in 2023.
With the 21st overall selection of the 2025 NFL Draft, Pittsburgh has decided to select Derrick Harmon out of the University of Oregon. The pick was reported a tad early by Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter Christopher Carter.
Sources: Derrick Harmon to the #Steelers.
— Christopher Carter (@CarterCritiques) April 25, 2025
Harmon is listed at 6'5" and is well over 300 pounds. He is an elusive defender that has been compared to both Heyward and Stephon Tuitt. The Steelers need to start rebuilding the area after doing it on the offensive end, and Harmon is a great place to start. Pittsburgh could even shock a lot of the fan base and select another player at the position in the third round. Khan and Tomlin have their guy; and Cameron Heyward gets a new partner-in-crime.
Charles LeClaire / USA TODAY Sports
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin smiles as General Manager Omar Khan looks on during a team workout at the UPMC Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA.
The Steelers really needed to bolster the defensive line after a really difficult five-game stretch to end the 2024 campaign. The rushing defense was extremely subpar, which led to being attacked on the ground by opposing teams. The Baltimore Ravens accomplished this twice, and once in the playoffs. Harmon is a great choice to help the unit get a bit younger and more versatile.
USA Today Sports
Former Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine.
Steelers Will Look To Address Other Key Needs As Big Draft Weekend Continues
Pittsburgh will now look to bolster other areas that need to be updated on the roster. Quarterback, running back, safety and cornerback all remain options for the organization. There is also the serious possibility that the franchise picks another defensive lineman at some point with the wide receiver position being a spot to watch as well. The long draft weekend is just getting started, but it is certainly always exciting to learn about new players joining the black and gold in the Steel City.
What do you think about the Steelers' first selection of the 2025 NFL Draft? Let us know in the comments below!
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