The Pittsburgh Steelers earned themselves plenty of praise by trading for Seattle Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf, extending him for an additional four seasons, and ending the search for a second star in the passing game.
The move was widely praised – justifiably so – but leaves the Steelers with plenty of questions, too.
Most of those revolve around Metcalf's co-star, receiver George Pickens, and his long-term outlook in Pittsburgh. It also extends to the 2025 NFL Draft. Pittsburgh traded the No. 52 pick to Seattle, presumably taking receiver off the board but giving the front office less ammunition to attack April with.
Thus, the Steelers have a series of important choices to make, like reinforcing the defensive line with their only top-75 pick.
The following mock draft was made using Pro Football and Sports Network's mock draft simulator.
Round 1, Pick 21: Oregon Defensive Tackle Derrick Harmon
There is a legitimate chance that Pittsburgh uses No. 21 to find its franchise quarterback. If Colorado's Shedeur Sanders falls far enough, anything is on the table, and the Quarterback Industrial Complex might land a Day 2 prospect like Jaxson Dart or Jalen Milroe in the first round.
For now, the Steelers opt to add to its respected defensive line.
Harmon, who has drawn comparisons to veteran Cameron Heyward, is both an option to replace him and a nice partner in crime for 2025. Heyward backed up his extension negotiations with a stellar 2024 campaign, but Father Time comes for everyone – including Canton-bound defensive lineman.
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Harmon boasts good burst and speed, helping him win with speed to power in his 313-pound frame. There's meat left on the bone of his pass-rushing potential, something that can be optimized with Heyward, Keeanu Benton, and edge rushers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith making life easier for him.
He logged five sacks in 2024 for Oregon, but he might do his best work against the run, especially early in his transition to the NFL. Given that the Steelers were merely average against the run – and utterly embarrassed by the Baltimore Ravens' ground game in the Wild Card Round – the unit stands to improve. Without high-profile replacements coming at linebacker, that leaves defensive tackle as a necessary expenditure.
Harmon offers both short- and long-term benefits to a Pittsburgh team that will soon need fresh blood up front.
Related: Steelers Planning To Draft Starting Quarterback
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This story was originally published March 23, 2025 at 6:57 PM.