Derrick Harmon 2025 NFL Draft: Oregon DT Scouting Report
Coming out of Oregon, we have a versatile defensive tackle, Derrick Harmon. In a talented 2025 NFL Draft class, he is one of the more versatile prospects who can line up in multiple techniques on the defensive line. Today, we’ll be breaking down his future NFL outlook in this scouting report. We will be breaking down his strengths, areas for improvement, and his potential draft grade.
Derrick Harmon 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report
DT Derrick Harmon has an intriguing blend of size, strength, and power. This makes him a promising prospect for the next level. Additionally, his ability to disrupt both the run and pass game and his relentless motor make him a player to watch.
Impressively, Harmon certainly flashes dominant traits. However, there are areas of refinement needed to maximize his potential. Below is a detailed breakdown of his strengths, areas for improvement, and overall NFL outlook.
Strengths
Size/Strength: Prototypical frame for an NFL defensive tackle with long arms, a strong build with exceptional upper body strength.
Run Defense: Strong anchor against the run, stacks, and sheds blocks effectively. He can also reset the line. Additionally, he plays low with good pad level when engaged.
Pass Rush Tools: Shows a variety of moves, including rip, push-pull, swim, and club-swim. Effective long-arm technique and bull rush with solid leg drive.
Penetration Ability: Impressive, quick first step allows him to fire through gaps. Disruptive when attacking gaps and executing stunts or twists.
Motor/Effort: High-energy player who works the backside with a red-hot motor.
Positional Versatility: Can line up in multiple techniques across the defensive line.
Use of Hands: Engages early, extends well to control blocks, and sheds quickly.
Areas for Improvement
Pad Level Issues: Can play too high at times, limiting leverage and giving up his chest to linemen.
Tight Hips: Lacks bend and flexibility, making it difficult to corner and win with finesse moves.
Limited Agility: Low-level twitch; struggles to mirror or win against mobile quarterbacks.
Pass Rush Development: Needs to refine counter moves and expand his pass rush repertoire beyond power-based techniques.
Gap Discipline: At times, plays to the wrong gap and gets out of his rush lane too quickly.
Finishing Ability: Disrupts plays but needs to be better at wrapping and finishing.
Double-Team Struggles: Can be displaced by combo blocks and needs to improve lower-body strength to anchor more consistently.
Conclusion
Overall, Harmon has the foundational tools to develop into a productive NFL defensive lineman. His combination of power, hand usage, and penetration ability gives him a chance to carve out a role early in his career. However, there are certainly some areas that need working on for him to have a successful future in the NFL. Notably, refining his pad level to be more consistent, improving his flexibility, and expanding his pass rush arsenal will determine his long-term success.
In the end, if he can address these areas, he has the upside of being a disruptive force on the defensive front. All things considered, the future looks bright for the talented DT out of Oregon. In the 2025 NFL Draft, he should end up being one of the solid defensive tackles in this talented draft class.
Round Grade: Round 2
Stats: Per Sports Reference
| Season | Team | G | Solo | Ast | TFL | Sk | PD | FR |
| 2021* | Michigan State | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | Michigan State | 12 | 8 | 22 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| 2023 | Michigan State | 12 | 16 | 24 | 4 | 1.5 | 1 | 0 |
| 2024 | Oregon | 14 | 27 | 18 | 11 | 5 | 4 | 2 |
| Career | 42 | 51 | 65 | 18 | 8.5 | 6 | 3 |
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