Mock Draft Monday: The Steelers add a big defensive tackle with their top pick

The Pittsburgh Steelers are moving through the 2025 offseason. With free agency continuing to shape next season’s roster, it will be followed by the NFL draft in April. The Steelers still have the opportunity to add some free agent acquisitions before making their first draft selection. With the NFL combine behind us, player pro days are winding down as teams look to set their big boards before the draft.

When talking about mock drafts or NFL free agency, one first has to first identify the team’s main needs for the offseason. As the Steelers navigate free agency, there are some who would like to see the Steelers go with either cornerback or defensive line with their first-round pick. Others feel wide receiver, running back, or even quarterback could still be on top of the list. With plenty of chances for the Steelers to continue to shape their roster prior to April, their goal is usually to get into position to draft the best player available rather than target a specific position. When it comes to what position the team will select with their first pick, it is certainly up for debate.

In a recent one-round mock draft by CBSSports.com, they have the Steelers addressing the defensive line position this season before anything else. Even with the Steelers having a significant need at the position, many in the national media do not have the Steelers going in this direction. Luckily I found one. Since the Steelers could go in any number of directions with their first selection, it is important to look at all the possibilities presented by various mock draft outlets.

Check out the Steelers 21st pick:

21. Pittsburgh Steelers | Derrick Harmon | DT | Oregon | JR |

Despite being late in the draft process, there may be some players most fans are not familiar with. If this is the case, here is a breakdown of Derrick Harmon according to bleacherreport.com (from January of 2025):

Derrick Harmon

• HEIGHT: 6’5″
• WEIGHT: 313
• HAND: 10⅜”
• ARM: 34⅜”
• WINGSPAN: 83¾”
• 40-YARD DASH: 4.95

POSITIVES

— Good size for an NFL defensive tackle with a thick build and long arms.

— Impressive upper body strength to gain control of the block and get extension against interior offensive linemen as a run defender.

— Takes on blocks with a wide base and good pad level to help stay in his gap against double teams and combo blocks.

— Has a nice rip move to defeat blocks or get penetration as a run defender and win with as a pass-rusher.

— Aggressive as the pick player in line games to catch offensive linemen off-guard and get penetration.

— Flashed a solid arm-over move as a pass rusher.

NEGATIVES

— Has a habit of dropping his hands as a pass rusher, he will let offensive linemen get to his chest.

— Hips are tight to clear his lower half and get clean wins when working finesse moves and trying to bend/corner from wider alignments.

— Needs to develop a counter move to turn to when his primary doesn’t work.

— Gap discipline as a run defender can improve, he will occasionally shed to the wrong gap or leave his assignment early.

— Hand placement can get wide against the run.

NOTES

— 3-star recruit in the 2021 class, per 247Sports

— No major injuries

— Transferred from Michigan State ahead of 2024 season

— 2024: Third-Team All-Big 10

— 2022: Honorable Mention Freshman All-American

OVERALL

After transferring from Michigan State, Derrick Harmon burst onto the scene this year for the top-ranked Oregon Ducks. He took advantage of the national stage by becoming one of the top defensive tackle prospects in this year’s draft class.

Harmon’s ability to take on double teams is a big part of what sets him apart as a run defender. He takes on blocks with good pad level and a wide and sturdy base, making him hard to move.

Also, he’s good at sinking his hips to absorb contact and attacking the man he’s lined up across from to help recover even if he gets kicked inside a bit. Harmon has also shown the ability to split combo blocks and make tackles despite taking on two blockers.

As a pass-rusher, the Oregon product has shown a ton of growth this season, evidenced by his increased production with five sacks heading into the College Football Playoff. He has a good rip move that he can get pressure with and has flashed a solid arm-over as a secondary move.

Additionally, Harmon can be effective as the pick player in line games with his aggression and strength to catch offensive linemen off-guard and get pressure.

However, his use of hands can use some work and he lacks some explosion off the line, hurting his bull rush. Also, he has tight hips that can impact his end and he struggles to throttle and break down in the backfield, leading to missed sacks.

Overall, Harmon projects as an impact starter who can contribute on all three downs, especially if he continues to grow as a pass-rusher. Schematically, he’d be the best fit as a 2i-technique in even fronts, but he has the versatility to line up anywhere from a 3-technique to nose tackle.

GRADE: 8.0 (Year 1 Start — Late 1st – Early 2nd Round)

OVERALL RANK: 23

POSITION RANK: DL3

PRO COMPARISON: DaQuan Jones

For all you who are preparing yourself for the draft, what do you think of the selection? Would you be on board with the Steelers taking Derrick Harmon with their first pick? Or do you feel there is a better player at this position, a different one who may still be available, or that Harmon will not make it to the 21st pick? Personally, this is the kind of pick I’m looking for. If there isn’t a player the Steelers would be interested in who drops significantly to be available at 21, I am happy with them taking the defensive lineman they like the best who is still on the board. I think Harmon would be a good choice here as he could work in multiple places across the defensive line which would increase his playing time. In essence, Keeanu Benton would move into the number two role and Harmon would develop by taking the Benton route.