Derrick Harmon NFL Draft 2025 Scouting Report for Pittsburgh Steelers DL

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Oregon DL Derrick Harmon with the No. 21 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.

After transferring from Michigan State, Derrick Harmon burst onto the scene this year for the top-ranked Oregon Ducks. He took advantage of the national stage by becoming one of the top defensive tackle prospects in this year's draft class.

Harmon's ability to take on double teams is a big part of what sets him apart as a run defender. He takes on blocks with good pad level and a wide and sturdy base, making him hard to move.

Also, he's good at sinking his hips to absorb contact and attacking the man he's lined up across from to help recover even if he gets kicked inside a bit. Harmon has also shown the ability to split combo blocks and make tackles despite taking on two blockers.

Derrick Harmon Highlights

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As a pass-rusher, the Oregon product has shown a ton of growth this season, evidenced by his increased production with five sacks heading into the College Football Playoff. He has a good rip move that he can get pressure with and has flashed a solid arm-over as a secondary move.

Additionally, Harmon can be effective as the pick player in line games with his aggression and strength to catch offensive linemen off-guard and get pressure.

However, his use of hands can use some work and he lacks some explosion off the line, hurting his bull rush. Also, he has tight hips that can impact his end and he struggles to throttle and break down in the backfield, leading to missed sacks.

Overall, Harmon projects as an impact starter who can contribute on all three downs, especially if he continues to grow as a pass-rusher. Schematically, he'd be the best fit as a 2i-technique in even fronts, but he has the versatility to line up anywhere from a 3-technique to nose tackle.

MEASUREMENT AND WORKOUT RESULTS

HEIGHT: 6'5"

WEIGHT: 313

HAND: 10⅜”

ARM: 34⅜”

WINGSPAN: 83¾”

40-YARD DASH: 4.95

POSITIVES

— Good size for an NFL defensive tackle with a thick build and long arms.

— Impressive upper body strength to gain control of the block and get extension against interior offensive linemen as a run defender.

— Takes on blocks with a wide base and good pad level to help stay in his gap against double teams and combo blocks.

— Has a nice rip move to defeat blocks or get penetration as a run defender and win with as a pass-rusher.

— Aggressive as the pick player in line games to catch offensive linemen off-guard and get penetration.

— Flashed a solid arm-over move as a pass rusher.

NEGATIVES

— Has a habit of dropping his hands as a pass rusher, he will let offensive linemen get to his chest.

— Hips are tight to clear his lower half and get clean wins when working finesse moves and trying to bend/corner from wider alignments.

— Needs to develop a counter move to turn to when his primary doesn't work.

— Gap discipline as a run defender can improve, he will occasionally shed to the wrong gap or leave his assignment early.

— Hand placement can get wide against the run.

NOTES

— 3-star recruit in the 2021 class, per 247Sports

— No major injuries

— Transferred from Michigan State ahead of 2024 season

— 2024: Third-Team All-Big 10

— 2022: Honorable Mention Freshman All-American

GRADE: 8.0 (Year 1 Start — Late 1st - Early 2nd Round)

OVERALL RANK:21

POSITION RANK: DL3

PRO COMPARISON: DaQuan Jones

Written by B/R NFL Scout Matt Holder