Derrick Harmon

Derrick Harmon Player Profile

Summary

Derrick Harmon was selected in the 1st Round (#21 Overall) out of University of Oregon. Harmon brings a strong blend of size, power, length, and versatility as an interior defensive lineman. His major strengths lie in his run‑defense, ability to take on blocks, and pass‑rush upside from inside. His primary developmental tasks: improving explosiveness, hip/bend flexibility, finishing plays consistently, and sharpening gap discipline. If he addresses these, he could grow into an impact starter; even if he doesn’t, he still offers significant value as a reliable starter on the interior.

Strengths

  • Physical tools & size: Harmon brings elite size and length for an interior lineman — 6′5″, ~310 lbs and long arms which help him create separation and handle blocks. His upper‑body strength and base allow him to absorb contact, hold ground, shed blocks and create disruption. Bleacher Report

  • Run‑defense and block‑shed ability: He has a proven ability to take on double‑teams, maintain pad level, and anchor interior gaps. 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. Bleacher Report

  • Pass‑rush potential from interior: He also generated many pressures as a college interior defender: led FBS interior DL with 55 total pressures, per one report of his 2024 season. Unlike many “space eaters” who only defend the run, Harmon showed ability as a pass rusher: he has a rip move, arm‑over move, and the burst to threaten the backfield. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Versatility in alignment: Can play multiple interior techniques — from 3‑technique to 1‑tech or nose depending on front. That flexibility adds value in NFL schemes. NFL Draft Buzz

Weaknesses & Areas for Improvement

  • Explosiveness / burst off the line: While he has good tools, some evaluators believe he lacks elite first‑step quickness compared to some smaller or more agile interior rushers. Bleacher Report

  • Hip flexibility / change‑of‑direction in pass rush: Reports mention his hips are tight to clear his lower half and get clean wins when working finesse moves and trying to bend/corner from wider alignments. That suggests that while he’s strong and powerful, his ability to bend around blocks or change direction rapidly may lag elite‑tier pass rushers. Bleacher Report

  • Finishing plays / counter moves: When his primary move fails, he may not have as many counters, and he can sometimes drop hands or allow offensive linemen to reset. Also, though he generates pressures, converting those into consistent sack production may require further development. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Gap discipline and sometimes over‑pursuit: Gap discipline as a run defender can improve; he will occasionally shed to the wrong gap or leave his assignment early. In the NFL, assignments and gap control become more critical, so this is an area to watch. Bleacher Report.

Fit & Outlook

Harmon projects as a high‑upside interior defensive lineman who has the tools to become a foundational three‑down piece. In an ideal scenario, he becomes a stout run‑defender who also influences the pass rush, giving his team interior disruption from the first down. He fits best in a scheme that allows him to use his strength, length, and versatility — e.g., gap‑penetrating fronts, stunts, early downs and sub‑packages. He may see rotational snaps early as he acclimates to the NFL’s speed and strength differences, especially versus double teams. If he develops his burst, counters, and finishes plays at a high rate, he has the ceiling of being a top interior DL — and a smart addition for his team’s front.