The next installment of our series on the Steelers' first-round options in the NFL Draft, April 24:
Defensive tackle is perhaps the best position in this year's draft class. There are potential superstars available in the first round, including one player who's already drawn comparison's to an all-time great Steelers defensive lineman.
This series will be based not only on need, but also on the team's level of interest in each player. Derrick Harmon is one of the best in a deep class of defensive tackles. And, the team has shown enough interest to make him a prime candidate in the first round.
Before transferring to Oregon, Harmon played three seasons at Michigan State. He played in only four games to preserve his redshirt season in 2021. He then played all 24 games over the next two seasons, totaling 70 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, two passes defensed, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
Harmon bet on himself by entering the transfer portal, and it paid off after going to Oregon. This past season, Harmon was named second-team AP All-American and third-team All-Big Ten. He played all 14 games, totaling 45 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, four passes defensed, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
Fair or not fair, Harmon is getting comparisons to Cam Heyward throughout this draft process. First, the two are nearly identical in terms of how they are built:
RELATIVE ATHLETIC SCORE
Second, an NFC executive told NFL.com's Lance Zierlein, "He plays like a Raven or a Steeler. Off the tape, he reminds me of a young Cam Heyward but bigger." Third, Harmon admittedly models part of his game after Heyward.
"Cam Heyward, Chris Jones, Alim McNeill over the with the Lions. I watch film on everybody," Harmon said at the NFL Combine. "The run, how (Heyward) plays that run. If I want to watch some run tape, I’m turning on Cam Heyward."
Thanks to a great first step and exceptional hand usage, Harmon is one of the more polished pass rushers in this class. Given his width, length and strength, Harmon is also difficult to move in run defense, making him an ideal three-technique at the NFL level. His quickness also grants him the versatility to scoot further outside as a five-technique when the Steelers are in their 3-4 base defense. Harmon also has a high football IQ and has good motor from snap to whistle.
Harmon needs to clean up some of his technique. He has a high-waisted build, which leads to some inconsistent pad level. He also carries some excess, unneeded weight above the waist. Despite having a good motor, Harmon also needs to find more consistency in finishing plays after winning reps.
With a formal meeting at the Combine and a pre-draft visit, clearly the Steelers have interest in Harmon. While we don't know how the pre-draft visit went, Harmon praised Mike Tomlin after their meeting in Indianapolis.
"That’s a great guy," Harmon said of Tomlin. "That’s a guy you can sit down and have an hour talk with, two-hour talk with, talk ball, talk life. Just a great guy to talk to."
HIGHLIGHTS
PFF GRADES/STATS
• Overall grade: 83.9 (22nd of 895 DI) • Pass rush grade: 86.3 • True pass set pass rush grade: 91.2 • Run defense grade: 80.5 • Pass rush win rate: 17.6% • Run stop rate: 7.1%
STRENGTHS
• Exceptional blend of size, strength and quickness. Makes him difficult to move, but also can win quickly when rushing the passer.
• Good power and length for an interior defensive lineman.
• Wins with outstanding first step, polished hand usage and footwork in true pass sets.
• Absorbs a good amount of double teams, making play easier for his linebackers.
• Ideally a three-technique, but versatile enough to play multiple spots up front.
• High football IQ. Maintains gap integrity, and understands his purpose as one of 11 guys on the field.
• Good motor from snap to whistle.
WEAKNESSES
• High-waisted build leads to inconsistent pad level.
• Gets stalled too often when losing initial move.
• Should be a better finisher given how often he wins his reps. Loses containment too often in pursuit of sacks.
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THE ASYLUM
Chris Halicke
5:17 pm - 04.09.2025DowntownDraft profile: Derrick Harmon
The next installment of our series on the Steelers' first-round options in the NFL Draft, April 24:
Defensive tackle is perhaps the best position in this year's draft class. There are potential superstars available in the first round, including one player who's already drawn comparison's to an all-time great Steelers defensive lineman.
This series will be based not only on need, but also on the team's level of interest in each player. Derrick Harmon is one of the best in a deep class of defensive tackles. And, the team has shown enough interest to make him a prime candidate in the first round.
DERRICK HARMON
• Position: Defensive tackle
• College: Oregon (2024), Michigan State (2021-23)
• Class: Junior (RS)
• Height: 6-5
• Weight: 313
• 40-yard dash: 4.95
• RAS score: N/A
• PFF Big Board: No. 31 overall, No. 4 DT
• Combine meeting: Yes (formal)
• Pro day visit: No
• Pre-draft visit: Yes
NFL comparison: Cam Heyward
OVERVIEW
Before transferring to Oregon, Harmon played three seasons at Michigan State. He played in only four games to preserve his redshirt season in 2021. He then played all 24 games over the next two seasons, totaling 70 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, two passes defensed, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
Harmon bet on himself by entering the transfer portal, and it paid off after going to Oregon. This past season, Harmon was named second-team AP All-American and third-team All-Big Ten. He played all 14 games, totaling 45 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, four passes defensed, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
Fair or not fair, Harmon is getting comparisons to Cam Heyward throughout this draft process. First, the two are nearly identical in terms of how they are built:
RELATIVE ATHLETIC SCORE
Second, an NFC executive told NFL.com's Lance Zierlein, "He plays like a Raven or a Steeler. Off the tape, he reminds me of a young Cam Heyward but bigger." Third, Harmon admittedly models part of his game after Heyward.
"Cam Heyward, Chris Jones, Alim McNeill over the with the Lions. I watch film on everybody," Harmon said at the NFL Combine. "The run, how (Heyward) plays that run. If I want to watch some run tape, I’m turning on Cam Heyward."
Thanks to a great first step and exceptional hand usage, Harmon is one of the more polished pass rushers in this class. Given his width, length and strength, Harmon is also difficult to move in run defense, making him an ideal three-technique at the NFL level. His quickness also grants him the versatility to scoot further outside as a five-technique when the Steelers are in their 3-4 base defense. Harmon also has a high football IQ and has good motor from snap to whistle.
Harmon needs to clean up some of his technique. He has a high-waisted build, which leads to some inconsistent pad level. He also carries some excess, unneeded weight above the waist. Despite having a good motor, Harmon also needs to find more consistency in finishing plays after winning reps.
With a formal meeting at the Combine and a pre-draft visit, clearly the Steelers have interest in Harmon. While we don't know how the pre-draft visit went, Harmon praised Mike Tomlin after their meeting in Indianapolis.
"That’s a great guy," Harmon said of Tomlin. "That’s a guy you can sit down and have an hour talk with, two-hour talk with, talk ball, talk life. Just a great guy to talk to."
HIGHLIGHTS
PFF GRADES/STATS
• Overall grade: 83.9 (22nd of 895 DI)
• Pass rush grade: 86.3
• True pass set pass rush grade: 91.2
• Run defense grade: 80.5
• Pass rush win rate: 17.6%
• Run stop rate: 7.1%
STRENGTHS
• Exceptional blend of size, strength and quickness. Makes him difficult to move, but also can win quickly when rushing the passer.
• Good power and length for an interior defensive lineman.
• Wins with outstanding first step, polished hand usage and footwork in true pass sets.
• Absorbs a good amount of double teams, making play easier for his linebackers.
• Ideally a three-technique, but versatile enough to play multiple spots up front.
• High football IQ. Maintains gap integrity, and understands his purpose as one of 11 guys on the field.
• Good motor from snap to whistle.
WEAKNESSES
• High-waisted build leads to inconsistent pad level.
• Gets stalled too often when losing initial move.
• Should be a better finisher given how often he wins his reps. Loses containment too often in pursuit of sacks.
Other draft profiles:
• Cam Skattebo, RB, Arizona State
• Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
• Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
• Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
• Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
• Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
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