Mel Kiper Mock Draft: Steelers fix major issue with Round 1 pick

The 2025 NFL Draft is rapidly approaching, and with the event on the horizon those who do NFL Mock Drafts are quickly updating their mock drafts after the first wave of free agency has altered team’s needs before the selection process.

As I always say, some mock drafts weigh more than others, and in this case ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. continues to be a go-to for football fans. Sometimes people read Kiper’s mock drafts for some humor leading up to the draft, while others put serious stock into what he believes will happen when Round 1 kicks off.

In Kiper’s latest mock draft, which focuses just on Round 1, he followed his typical approach for his mock drafts. He lists the team’s needs, and takes the Best Player Available (BPA) according to those team needs. For the Steelers, he had them mocked to take a wide receiver in his early offseason mock drafts, but with the trade of DK Metcalf that changed things. In this mock draft there is a run on quarterbacks, so Kiper shifts to the defensive line.

But before we get to the Steelers pick, and the breakdown, let’s see how Round 1 unfolds, according to Kiper…

Round 1

1. Tennessee Titans – Cam Ward, QB, Miami
2. Cleveland Browns – Abdul Carter, OLB, Penn State
3. New York Giants – Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
4. New England Patriots – Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
5. Jacksonville Jaguars – Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
6. Las Vegas Raiders – Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
7. New York Jets – Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
8. Carolina Panthers – Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia
9. New Orleans Saints – Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
10. Chicago Bears – Mykel Williams, OLB, Georgia
11. San Francisco 49ers – Armand Membou, OT/G, Missouri
12. Dallas Cowboys – Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
13. Miami Dolphins – Will Campbell, OT/G, LSU
14. Indianapolis Colts – Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
15. Atlanta Falcons – Mike Green, OLB, Marshall
16. Arizona Cardinals – Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
17. Cincinnati Bengals – Shemar Stewart, DE , Texas A&M
18. Seattle Seahawks – Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
20. Denver Broncos – Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

21. Pittsburgh Steelers
Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon

“The Steelers could go in a handful of directions. I’m going to assume they sign Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson, which will take care of the quarterback position. Running back is a potential play if Ashton Jeanty or Omarion Hampton is available, given Najee Harris went to the Chargers. Cornerback also could be the move, as new signing Darius Slay Jr. is 34 and on a one-year deal. However, I’m addressing the defensive line in my projection.

“Cameron Heyward had eight sacks last season, but he will turn 36 this summer. There could be a hole alongside Keeanu Benton sooner rather than later. Harmon has the versatility to move all over the D-line, but his best spot is inside, where he can use his speed and power to be disruptive. He had 35 pressures and 10 tackles for loss last season.”

To learn more about Harmon as a prospective player, check out the breakdown from FFSN’s own Andrew Wilbar:

Height: 6’5″
Weight: 310 lbs
Draft Projection: Mid to Late 1st
Notable Accomplishment: AP Second Team All-American

Pros: After three seasons at Michigan State, Harmon transferred to Oregon and enjoyed a breakout season to the tune of 45 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 9 QB hurries, 5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, and 3 batted passes. As a prospect, I was blown away by his quickness off the snap. He explodes out of his stance and has a nice flurry of pass rushing moves, including a killer rip move. What makes him even more difficult to defend is that he is capable of lining up anywhere along the defensive line. Oregon would move Harmon around to keep opposing offenses guessing, but he produced no matter where he played. I think he projects best as a 5-technique in the NFL, where he can get the most out of his long frame and create consistent penetration against opposing tackles and guards. As a run defender, he does a wonderful job disengaging from blocks and sensing where the ball carrier is at.

Cons: There are occasional plays when Harmon’s instincts let him down. He will sense a pass play when it is really a run, and he will overrun the ball carrier in pursuit of the quarterback. Part of that could simply be due to his given assignment within the defensive play call, but regardless, maintaining better discipline and awareness will be an important aspect of his development. His quickness upfield and suddenness off the snap can sometimes be a double-edged sword for Harmon, as he can get too excited and leave his chest completely exposed. This will be a bigger issue in the NFL if he does not get it cleaned up.

Overview: Harmon’s passion, athleticism, and schematic versatility will all appeal to teams, but his draft stock could range from the middle of Round 1 to the middle of Round 2. This is a deep group of defensive tackles, and NFL teams will each have their favorite for their scheme. If teams view Harmon as a tweener who does not fit any one position rather than a versatile weapon who can align anywhere, he could slip further than he probably deserves to.

NFL Comparison: Chris Jones

What would you think if Round 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft played out this way? Would you be okay with it? Or would you want to see the Steelers go in another direction? Let us know in the comment section, and be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the team as they prepare for the rest of free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft.