If there’s any position in the upcoming NFL draft that’s heavy in talent, it’s the interior defensive line. Through all seven rounds of the draft, you could find a solid prospect at the position. One of those prospects is Oregon DL Derrick Harmon.
On Friday, The Underdog’s Brett Kollmann posted a list of players he thinks would work well with various position coaches around the league. For Harmon, he named Karl Dunbar, the Steelers’ DL coach.
Ideal prospect/coach fits.
– Kenneth Grant/Kris Kocurek
– Shavon Revel/Pete Carroll
– Grey Zabel/Greg Roman
– Tyler Warren/Ben Johnson
– Bradyn Swinson/Steve Spagnuolo
– Derrick Harmon/Karl Dunbar
— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) March 21, 2025
Derrick Harmon is one of many talented players at his position in this class. He spent the first three years of his collegiate career at Michigan State, before transferring to Oregon ahead of the 2024 season. At Oregon, he put together his best statistical season to date. Harmon had 45 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, five sacks, four passes defended, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He did a little bit of everything you’d want from a stout defensive lineman.
That well-rounded statline reflects Harmon’s well-rounded skill set. He’s got great size, length and strength. He’s also impressive athletically, and excels at turning speed to power. As a pass-rusher, while he can utilize his bull rush, he also has several moves he can win with consistently.
Watching Oregon 3T Derrick Harmon (#55). Pass rush productivity is obvious (led FBS in pressures) but I’ve been impressed by how he holds his ground vs doubles despite playing a little high. Very complete player. pic.twitter.com/DCojAnl5Hm
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) March 7, 2025
With all of that said, some scouts would have liked Harmon to produce a little more than he did in college. He played in 42 games through four years, but only had 8.5 sacks, with five of them coming in his last season. He also only had seven tackles for a loss, before recording 11 in 2024.
However, the jump he took in 2024 proves that his lack of production before that year doesn’t matter much. It’s something that’s fair to be concerned about. But Harmon could be considered a project anyway, and the production shouldn’t be expected immediately in the NFL.
Loved watching #Oregon iDL Derrick Harmon on tape. Led the FBS in interior pressures among DTs and finished second in pressure rate last season. Still needs to do a better job of playing under control and finishing plays.pic.twitter.com/E6Xrb3dYFL
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) February 21, 2025
There are a few reasons why the Steelers, and Dunbar, make sense as a fit for Derrick Harmon. One reason is that he’s used to playing in a 3-4 look, which he did at Oregon. There, he had experience playing all across the defensive line. He’s easier to project to Pittsburgh because of his experience in that kind of system.
Dunbar has received flack in the past for a lack of development on the defensive line. However, Harmon might just be the perfect replacement for Cam Heyward, once father time calls his name. If you can remember that long ago, the Steelers originally drafted Heyward, not needing him to start at once. It took him a while to crack the starting lineup, but once he did, he never looked back
Derrick Harmon could have a similar start to his career. He’s more of a project, but having him work with Cam Heyward to begin his career is a great start towards his development. Harmon has already mentioned Heyward as an inspiration to him. If drafted in Pittsburgh, he could become the next great Steelers defender.
Check out the scouting report from Steelers Depot’s Alex Kozora on Harmon.
Recommended for you