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The Steelers aren’t worried about Harmon’s reported shoulder issue.
The phones were ringing in Pittsburgh’s draft room when the Steelers were on the clock for the 21st overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Despite the option to trade down or take a quarterback, the team stayed put and selected Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon.
“We talked about certain guys who we would not trade away from,” said Steelers general manager Omar Khan in the team’s press conference following the pick, “and this is one of those players for us.”
It’s the third straight year that the Steelers have taken a lineman, either offense or defense, in the first round.
Harmon has been commonly mocked to the Steelers for much of the offseason, but insider reports late in the draft cycle mentioned a vague shoulder issue that could push him down draft boards.
Could Oregon’s Derrick Harmon SLIDE in the first round due to a medical red flag?@MikeGarafolo shares the latest on one of the draft’s top defensive tackles… pic.twitter.com/TT19FOeSFV
— Johnny Venerable (@JohnnyVenerable) April 22, 2025
However, when asked about medical concerns regarding Harmon, Khan and head coach Mike Tomlin downplayed any red flags.
“We wouldn’t have picked him unless our medical staff and we were comfortable with it,” said Khan.
“We’re extremely comfortable with that component,” said Tomlin, noting that Pittsburgh’s pre-draft visit with Harmon gave the team doctors a chance to meet with the defensive tackle.
For what it’s worth, Harmon has appeared in 34 games over his last three college seasons, showing excellent durability. The Steelers seem to agree.