The Pittsburgh Steelers have several holes to fill in the 2025 NFL Draft, and Derrick Harmon is a huge addition that will drastically improve a defensive line that had significant struggles down the stretch in 2025.
Troy Wayrynen / Imagn Images
Former University of Oregon defensive Tackle Derrick Harmon bursts off the line of scrimmage and evades a University of Illinois offensive lineman during a collegiate football contest.
Steeler Nation Player Summary
Harmon is a redshirt junior defensive lineman who is coming out of the University of Oregon, after spending his first three seasons in college with Michigan State. Harmon has a long and wide build that makes him very difficult to move off the point of attack. He has the versatility to play in multiple defensive fronts, and can come in early to be a quick contributor. Harmon's ability to rush the passer will need some work, but he has shown the ability to push the pocket up the middle to make it uncomfortable for opposing passers.
Pros
- Top tier size and length
- Versatile to play multiple fronts
- Strong upper body
- Sudden hands
- Fights double teams well not allowing offensive linemen to climb
Cons
- Tighter hips that limit his ability to get the edge
- Feet stop moving if initial pass rush fails
- Better recognition in the run game when shedding blocks
- Getting hands up in passing lanes needs to become consistent
Pro Comparison: Cam Heyward
This is a comparison Steeler Nation will love, and it wasn't forced. His build and length matches Heyward's very well, and his ability to hold the point of the attack against the run draws a lot of comparisons to the Steeler great. Pairing the two together could end up being an incredibly difficult combo to handle.
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