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With the No. 21 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Oregon Ducks defensive tackle Derrick Harmon.
Based on talent, it was not a surprising pick. However, based on both need and the availability of other players, it was a selection that raised some eyebrows. Going into the 2025 season, the defensive line isn't exactly a position of need for the Steelers, as they have Cam Heyward and T.J. Watt holding things down at a high level.
On the other side of the ball, though, most notably at the quarterback position, the Steelers have a dire need. With both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields gone in free agency, Pittsburgh doesn't currently have a starter for next year. Many thought they should take Colorado Buffaloes QB Shedeur Sanders with the No. 21 pick, but instead, they opted for Harmon.
Why? Head coach Mike Tomlin was able to sum it up in two words.
"Extreme urgency," Tomlin stated. "To be quite honest with you, there's no substitute for young talent. You don't have a chance to fill a quality defense unless you're stout inside and upfront. And this is a young guy that has an opportunity to learn from the likes of Cam Heyward and put his hand in that pile — and be a significant contributor for years to come."
The selection was an important one for both the Steelers and the Ducks. With Harmon landing in the first round, it extends Oregon's streak of having a first-round draft pick to six years in a row.
The streak began with quarterback Justin Herbert, who the Los Angeles Chargers selected at No. 6 overall. That was followed by Penei Sewell's selection by the Detroit Lions at No. 7 in 2021, Kayvon Thibodeaux's selection by the New York Giants at No. 5 in 2022, Christian Gonzalez's selection by the New England Patriots at No. 17 in 2023, and Bo Nix's selection by the Denver Broncos at No. 12 in 2024. After Harmon's selection, Oregon OT Josh Conerly was drafted by the Washington Commanders with the No. 29 pick, as well.
Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon Football: Why Mike Tomlin drafted Derrick Harmon, in two words
Continue reading...
Based on talent, it was not a surprising pick. However, based on both need and the availability of other players, it was a selection that raised some eyebrows. Going into the 2025 season, the defensive line isn't exactly a position of need for the Steelers, as they have Cam Heyward and T.J. Watt holding things down at a high level.
On the other side of the ball, though, most notably at the quarterback position, the Steelers have a dire need. With both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields gone in free agency, Pittsburgh doesn't currently have a starter for next year. Many thought they should take Colorado Buffaloes QB Shedeur Sanders with the No. 21 pick, but instead, they opted for Harmon.
Why? Head coach Mike Tomlin was able to sum it up in two words.
"Extreme urgency," Tomlin stated. "To be quite honest with you, there's no substitute for young talent. You don't have a chance to fill a quality defense unless you're stout inside and upfront. And this is a young guy that has an opportunity to learn from the likes of Cam Heyward and put his hand in that pile — and be a significant contributor for years to come."
The selection was an important one for both the Steelers and the Ducks. With Harmon landing in the first round, it extends Oregon's streak of having a first-round draft pick to six years in a row.
The streak began with quarterback Justin Herbert, who the Los Angeles Chargers selected at No. 6 overall. That was followed by Penei Sewell's selection by the Detroit Lions at No. 7 in 2021, Kayvon Thibodeaux's selection by the New York Giants at No. 5 in 2022, Christian Gonzalez's selection by the New England Patriots at No. 17 in 2023, and Bo Nix's selection by the Denver Broncos at No. 12 in 2024. After Harmon's selection, Oregon OT Josh Conerly was drafted by the Washington Commanders with the No. 29 pick, as well.
Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon Football: Why Mike Tomlin drafted Derrick Harmon, in two words
Continue reading...
