Steelers go on QBs: ‘We sought after’ DT Harmon

PITTSBURGH — Despite quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders and Jaxson Dart nonetheless being to be had, the Pittsburgh Steelers eschewed the location all in combination and decided on Oregon defensive take on Derrick Harmon with the No. 21 general pick out Thursday evening on the NFL draft.

Steelers common supervisor Omar Khan stated the group wasn’t tempted to draft a signal-caller with the pick out.

“We were on the clock,” he stated Thursday evening. “We got the player that we wanted.”

Harmon used to be considered one of a handful of avid gamers the Steelers known as one they would not business clear of if he used to be to be had. Khan stated the Steelers fielded a number of business provides, however they hung on firmly to the pick out.

“He has Steeler DNA for us,” trainer Mike Tomlin stated. “It starts inside and upfront, and this is a guy that’s capable of dominating that space versus the run and the pass, and so we’re really excited about having him. … We weren’t interested in considering trading away from him and really excited about getting him in here and getting started.”

The Steelers entered the primary around of the draft made up our minds to not let Aaron Rodgers‘ imminent — but extended — resolution about his long run impact their draft technique.

And in settling on Harmon with handiest two quarterbacks below contract, the Steelers apparently signaled their persisted self assurance that Rodgers will ultimately land in Pittsburgh.

Earlier this week, Tomlin stated the result of the draft may impact their pursuit of outdoor quarterbacks, together with Rodgers.

“What you do in the draft oftentimes affects maybe some talent acquisition that happens after,” he stated in Tuesday’s predraft information convention. “We’ll see how the acquisition goes this weekend.”

Harmon, who spent his first 3 seasons at Michigan State, is a right away formative years infusion to an getting older Steelers line of defense anchored via longtime captain Cameron Heyward. Heyward, who turns 36 subsequent month, advocated for his workforce to pick out Harmon on an Instagram Live feed sooner than the choice. And the appreciation is mutual. Harmon stated he fashions his recreation after Heyward.

“That was my first thought process when I got the call, was I’m going to be able to pick Cam’s brain, be under his wing,” Harmon stated. “That could be my vet now, and I can really learn from him. He’s been doing this forever, since I was a baby, so it wouldn’t be no other way I’d want it, really.”

Harmon used to be considered one of 9 defensive linemen hosted via the Steelers all through their top-30 predraft visits. Though rumors of a shoulder factor swirled sooner than the draft, Harmon used to be evaluated via the Steelers’ clinical group of workers on his consult with. Khan and Tomlin stated they have been “extremely comfortable” with Harmon’s well being.

“I’m fully up, ready to go,” Harmon stated of his shoulder. “I don’t have [any] concerns. I’m ready to get to work.”

Harmon recorded 5 sacks in his lone season with the Ducks and exploded for 11 tackles for loss. He additionally led the FBS in 2024 with 34 quarterback pressures when coated up as a defensive take on, and his 10.7% power charge as a defensive take on used to be 2nd easiest in FBS.

“Extreme urgency,” Tomlin stated, describing the extent of urgency in addressing the line of defense. “To be quite honest with you, there’s no substitute for young talent. You don’t have a chance to fill a quality defense unless you’re stout inside and up front. This is a young guy, man, that has an opportunity to learn from the likes of Cam Heyward and put his hand in that pile and be a significant contributor for us for years to come.”