Derrick Harmon, Oregon Athletics” data-medium-file=”https://sportsandmoresports.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/convert-32-e1741068645680.jpg” data-large-file=”https://steelersnow.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=595,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/convert-32-e1741068645680.webp”>
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been waiting to re-stock their defensive line after two drafts of focusing on the offensive side of the trenches, and they did just that, drafting Oregon Ducks defensive tackle Derrick Harmon with the 21st pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Harmon fills a big need for the Steelers on the defensive line. Larry Ogunjobi signed with the Buffalo Bills in free agency. In addition, Cam Heyward turns 36 in May, so a long-term replacement is needed for the future Hall of Famer.
In 2024, Harmon was a second-team All-American, recording 45 tackles, five sacks and a pair of forced and recovered fumbles.
The interior threat bolsters a defensive line that already includes Heyward, with whom Harmon is often compared. According to his NFL.com prospect profile, one NFC executive went as far as saying that “He plays like a Raven or a Steeler. Off the tape, he reminds me of a young Cam Heyward but bigger.”
Harmon is compared to Heyward, but his style of play actually resembles former Steelers defensive lineman Stephon Tuitt more.
Yahoo Sports’ Charles McDonald gave the Harmon selection an ‘A’ grade.
“Classic Steelers pick. Harmon isn’t flashy, but he’s a steady defensive player who can impact the pass and run from a variety of fronts. Harmon fits right in as an eventual Cam Heyward replacement plan and will form a strong duo with Keeanu Benton on the interior for the long term,” McDonald wrote.
” data-medium-file=”https://steelersnow.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/resize-78.webp” data-large-file=”https://steelersnow.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=900,height=600,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/resize-78.webp” src=”https://steelersnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/resize-78-788×525.webp” alt=”Pittsburgh Steelers 2025 NFL Draft Prospect, Oregon DT Derrick Harmon” class=”wp-image-114686″ srcset=”https://steelersnow.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=525,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/resize-78.webp 788w, https://steelersnow.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=428,height=285,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/resize-78.webp 428w” sizes=”auto, (max-width: 788px) 100vw, 788px”>
Pro Football Focus’ player comparison for Harmon is Buffalo Bills defensive tackle DaQuan Jones. PFF didn’t give grades out, but they tabbed the pick as “good.”
“Instead of snagging a quarterback in Round 1, the Steelers opt to build perhaps the scariest defensive front in the NFL. Harmon profiles as an excellent successor to Cameron Heyward, who is entering his age-36 season. He can contribute right out of the gate after earning a 91.2 PFF pass-rush grade against true pass sets in 2024, tied for the highest among interior defenders in this year’s class,” PFF wrote.
Peter Prisco of CBS Sports also raved about the Steelers’ first-round pick selection. Prisco gave the selection a B-.
“The Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t have a quarterback. They do what they normally do. They draft big people,” Prisco said. “This is who they are, they replenish their offensive and defensive lines. Age has crept in on the defensive side of the ball in terms of their line, and they need to get a young player. Harmon’s a good player.”
NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger did a film breakdown shortly after the Steelers’ pick, and he thinks Harmon will be the next great defensive lineman in the Black and Gold.
“Derrick Harmon is a massive DT with light (quick) feet. Steelers staying strong on the DL,” Baldinger wrote on X.
