With Shedeur Sanders still on the board, Pittsburgh opts to take Oregon defensive tackle
With Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders still on the board, the Pittsburgh Steelers decided to bolster an aging defensive line by adding Oregon tackle Derrick Harmon. The 6-foot-5 rising star registered 45 total tackles during his senior campaign with the Ducks.
He made his presence known in the backfield as well, going for five sacks and two forced fumbles. Along with that, he used his long frame to defend two passes in 2024.
Following the massive decision, Pittsburgh fans took to social media to express their happiness, and some distaste.
Mixed Reactions After 21st Overall Derrick Harmon Decision
With an unsolved quarterback room, some Steelers fans saw Sanders on the board at No. 21 as a home run. However, general manager Omar Khan and Steelers brass saw the decision differently.
You guys realize you don’t have a single quarterback on the roster, right?
— Dale Turner (@DaleTurner72) April 25, 2025
Mason Rudolph or Aaron Rodgers is really my quarterback pic.twitter.com/DGfLWU70Xz
— CUTCHISCLUTCH (@BEASTBOYISGOAT) April 25, 2025
Not even Jackson Dart? Hmmm
— Ghost Aeolus (@Aeolus) April 25, 2025
Despite some harsh criticism, other Steelers fans support the pick and are thrilled regarding Pittsburgh’s decision.
Praise Jesus we didn’t take Sanders pic.twitter.com/DHJRlwlqDN
— Frisky Dingo ✌️ (@friskydingo4242) April 25, 2025
Going with a solid D lineman in the first round is the safe play
— The off-season (@TheOffSeasonCFB) April 25, 2025
Fantastic pick
Surprised he was there— Austin Burke (@theBurk3nator) April 25, 2025
Harmon Becomes First Defensive Player Taken By Steelers In Round One Since 2019
With a strong defensive core, Pittsburgh has opted to bolster their offense the past five drafts. In 2019, the Steelers chose LB Devin Bush, who has since journey to several different NFL squads. With the defensive hiatus, it was time the black and gold brought in new blood.
Harmon joins Cameron Heyward and Keeanu Benton to form a powerful defensive line. With T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith on the edge, Pittsburgh now has a top-tier pass and rush defense.