Draft Profile: Derrick Harmon
Defensive Tackle, Oregon
6’5, 310 lbs.
Projected: First Round
The main draft needs for the Steelers prior to the start of free agency were widely thought to be either wide receiver or defensive line. Now that they’ve traded for DK Metcalf and released Larry Ogunjobi, defensive line has become more of a need. That’s not to say that this couldn’t change if George Pickens is traded. There’s also the fact that as of this writing there is no starting quarterback. But for now defensive line seems like a lock in the first round.
Cam Heyward has been a steadfast leader for Pittsburgh for years now. As he is nearing retirement his eventual replacement will need to be found. Those are big shoes to fill though. Cam is a one helmet guy and will only be a Steeler in his professional career. What better guy for the job than a player that has drawn comparisons to the man himself?
Derrick Harmon is a little bit bigger than Heyward, but they have a lot of the same characteristics in their playing style. They both have the ability to eat up double teams but also the burst to get up field and put pressure on the QB. Both men are very strong and athletic for their size and hard to miss on the defense.
Strengths:
Derrick Harmon is not just a big, strong guy- he’s an athlete. He ran a 4.95-second forty at the Combine. His 10-yard split was 1.74 seconds. Harmon reads running plays well and adjusts his rush accordingly. He’s difficult to move and has a sound anchor. Harmon uses his hands well to shed blocks and has both a good bull rush and rip move. He processes what the offense is doing quickly and is not fooled by play action.
Weaknesses:
Harmon needs to be mindful of his pad level. At times he plays too tall and allows offensive lineman to get ahold of him. His play speed and motor seem to be inconsistent. This may be a result of fatigue so he’ll need to put work into an NFL strength and conditioning program. There is also the question of whether Harmon is a one-year wonder. At Michigan State he was not a standout player and only received first round buzz after his one year at Oregon.
How he fits:
Derrick Harmon would be a great partner at 3-4 defensive end with Keeanu Benton should Benton be eventually moved outside from nose tackle. They are both young and would present problems for opposing offensive lineman. Harmon would be coming into an almost perfect situation having the opportunity to learn from Cam Heyward while also having Benton there to challenge one another for years to come.
Player Comp:
Derrick Harmon reminds me a lot of Muhammad “Mo” Wilkerson, formally of the Jets and Packers. Wilkerson was considered a late riser due to his draft stock climbing after his combine performance. He ended up getting drafted towards the end of the first round and eventually would evolve into a very good player. They are similar in size and both very good athletes.
The Steelers will look to inject some youth into their defensive line, and I would not be surprised if they end up drafting two players at the position. Harmon is a very good prospect and it is important to point out that at Michigan State he was used a lot at nose tackle. Oregon may have recognized this and moving him outside may be the reason that he finally broke out this past season. If this is the case, the Steelers could be getting a steal, much like they did with Cam Heyward at the end of the first round. Coincidence?
