Steelers Use 21st Selection on Oregon DL Derrick Harmon
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
With the No. 21 selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Derrick Harmon, a powerful defensive tackle out of Oregon. While pre-draft buzz linked Pittsburgh to quarterbacks like Shedeur Sanders and Jaxson Dart, the team instead prioritized fortifying their defensive line.
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Harmon, a 6’4”, 305-pound force in the trenches, made his mark in the Big Ten as one of the most reliable interior defenders. Known for his ability to eat up double teams and collapse the pocket, Harmon adds valuable size and strength to a Steelers front that’s preparing for life after Cameron Heyward.
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Still, the pick has stirred controversy. Many fans and analysts expected the Steelers to draft a quarterback, especially with Sanders’ draft prop set at 21.5 and Pittsburgh a -150 favorite to land him. Instead, Pittsburgh stands pat at quarterback with Mason Rudolph, while rumors continue about a potential move for Kirk Cousins—despite his hefty contract.
With no second-round pick, critics question whether this was the best use of a first-round selection for a team trying to compete with AFC North rivals like the Ravens and Bengals. However, Derrick Harmon brings plug-and-play potential, with the tools to start immediately and thrive under Mike Tomlin’s defensive philosophy.
Time will tell whether this pick helps the Steelers rise in the AFC, but there’s no denying that Harmon adds toughness, depth, and potential long-term value on the interior defensive line.
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