Pittsburgh Steelers’ first-round pick Derrick Harmon revealed a heartbreaking personal loss amid the excitement of the 2025 NFL Draft. Selected 21st overall, Harmon, a defensive tackle from Oregon, announced that his mother had passed away during the draft celebrations. Despite the joy of being drafted by the Steelers, Harmon shared that he was heading straight to the hospital to be with his family in this difficult time.
Harmon’s selection marked the first time since 2011 that the Steelers drafted a defensive tackle in the first round, signaling a clear priority to strengthen their defensive line after a disappointing run defense last season. At 6-foot-5 and 310 pounds, Harmon impressed scouts with his athleticism and versatility, posting 45 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and five sacks in his final college season. He is expected to work alongside veteran Cameron Heyward, a seven-time Pro Bowler, as the Steelers look to rebuild their defensive front.
General Manager Omar Khan and Head Coach Mike Tomlin emphasized Harmon’s leadership qualities and strong work ethic during the post-draft press conference, highlighting his “awesome sense of self” and “desire to be great.” The Steelers passed on quarterback Shedeur Sanders to address their immediate defensive needs, with plans to target other positions like quarterback, running back, and cornerback in later rounds.
Harmon’s journey from Detroit to Oregon and now to Pittsburgh is marked by resilience and growth, making him a promising cornerstone for the Steelers’ defense. While the joy of the draft is tempered by personal tragedy, the organization and fans alike are hopeful that Harmon’s talent and determination will help lead the team back to contention in the coming years.
