Analyzing Steelers 2025 First-Round Pick Derrick Harmon - Versatility On All Fronts

The Dream Team: Derrick Harmon and the Late Tiffany Saine

Derrick Harmon's NFL journey was filled with obstacles, but through it all, he had his mother, Tiffany Saine, by his side. Despite undergoing eight brain surgeries and facing deteriorating health, she continued to support her son and his pursuit of their shared dream.

On Draft Day, Saine was on life support, yet Harmon made it his mission to be by his mother's side one final time to tell her he had achieved their dream together. Though she passed away before he arrived, her unwavering belief and dedication to her son remain the cornerstone of Harmon's success. Their story is one of resilience and inspiration—a narrative so compelling it feels like something out of a movie, though it’s far from over.

During his high school years, Harmon was recognized as one of Michigan's top defensive tackle prospects. As a starter on both the offensive and defensive lines for Loyola High School, he earned First Team All-State honors from multiple publications. Despite offers from several prominent Power Five schools, Harmon chose to stay close to home and committed to Michigan State.

As a true freshman, Harmon played just 36 snaps, but his role expanded significantly the following season. As a sophomore, he appeared in 12 games, starting in five. That season, Harmon recorded 30 tackles, two sacks, a pass deflection, and a forced fumble, earning Freshman All-American Honorable Mention from CollegeFootballNews.com for his efforts.

Following a dip in production during his redshirt sophomore year, Harmon made the bold decision to transfer to Oregon for his redshirt junior season—a move that turned out to be pivotal for his career. Under Ducks head coach Dan Lanning, Harmon had a breakout year, garnering second-team All-America honors from three outlets and All-Big Ten recognition from both coaches and the media. In 14 starts on Oregon's defensive line, he achieved career highs in sacks (5), passes defended (4), and contributed two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

Whether it’s stopping the run or being a disruptive presence in opposing backfields, Harmon’s game tape highlights his remarkable ability to influence play from virtually every position along the defensive line. As this film study will reveal, it is the cerebral aspect of his game that makes him especially formidable, allowing him to anticipate plays and execute with precision.

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Run Defense Technique

At 6'5", many would assume that a player of his stature might struggle in one-on-one battles due to challenges associated with pad level. Harmon, however, defies such expectations and stands out as a unique force in his domain. His consistent ability to maintain the optimal pad level at the point of attack is a significant factor behind his high grade in run defense during the past season. Furthermore, his impressive 34 3/8-inch arm length provides the leverage and separation required to disengage from blockers and make impactful plays.

In this sequence, Harmon is positioned between Michigan's right tackle and right guard, employing a 3/4i-technique. At the snap, the guard engages him and attempts to seal him inside. Harmon demonstrates excellent fundamentals by maintaining a low base and effectively using his hands to extend and control the engagement. Upon recognizing the Michigan running back heading toward the B-gap, he swiftly disengages and stops the runner in his tracks for a minimal gain. Simply put, this is textbook run defense.

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AWARENESS AND FOOTBALL IQ

For a defensive lineman, success isn’t solely measured by their ability to rush the passer. Elite defensive players demonstrate the capability to diagnose plays both pre- and post-snap, adapting as necessary to maximize their impact. Harmon exemplifies this skillset, showcasing an aptitude for reading the game, which significantly enhances his value on the defensive line.

Consider this particular sequence: Harmon is positioned on the strong side in a 4i-technique. Even before the ball is snapped, he keeps his focus on both the quarterback and running back—a decision that becomes clear as the play unfolds. As the receiver motions across the field and the ball is snapped, the offensive linemen execute zone blocking towards the opposite side of the play-action fake. This maneuver effectively deceives most of the Ducks’ defenders, with the notable exception of Harmon, who had diagnosed the play right from the snap. Demonstrating exceptional awareness and anticipation, Harmon closes in on the quarterback. Before the quarterback can even set his feet to attempt a throw, Harmon completes the sack, resulting in a substantial loss for the offense.

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Disruptive Pass Rusher

Last season with the Ducks, Harmon earned an impressive pass-rush grade of 83.9, tying for the fourth highest among all interior defensive linemen in college football. When analyzing his game tape, his attributes as a disruptive pass rusher become evident—length, power, active hands, flexibility, and a diverse arsenal of moves and maneuvers.

One key takeaway from the pass-rush clip below is his ability to reduce his surface area when penetrating a gap, demonstrating impressive agility. Additionally, his swim move is executed with precision, allowing him to break into the backfield with remarkable speed. Technically, this play should have resulted in a sack; however, the quarterback managed to release the ball just moments before absorbing a hit from a Ducks defensive lineman looping from the opposite side.

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Harmon is the kind of player who could one day anchor the Steelers' defensive line, much like future Hall of Famer Cameron Heyward has done for nearly 15 years. As the team began rebuilding their defensive front, it was players like Harmon they envisioned—those with the physical attributes and potential to become game-changers. Given all he has endured off the field, it’s reasonable to expect that Harmon will do everything in his power to honor his late mother by succeeding both in life and on the football field.