2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Derrick Harmon (DL – Oregon)

FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Oregon defensive lineman Derrick Harmon. And check out our entire 2025 NFL Draft Guide.

2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Derrick Harmon

Derrick Harmon (DL – Oregon)

6-foot-5 | 310 pounds

Background

Derrick Harmon is a Detroit native and three-star recruit who originally attended Michigan State. He played sparingly and ultimately redshirted in 2021, then started five out of 12 games the following year, totaling 468 snaps and a 30-3.0-2.0 line. He went 40-4.0-1.5 the next year, starting 10 out of 12 games (475 snaps). He then transferred to Oregon for the 2024 season for his most productive regular season (42-9.0-5.0).

Positives

Harmon is a big, well-built defensive lineman who’s been playing starter-level snaps for the past three years between the Spartans and the Ducks. He lines up all over the line and could theoretically play anything from a one-technique to a five-technique; typically an end on a three-man line or a one-technique on two-man lines (essentially an even front with two rush linebackers.)

The 310-pound lineman fires out with some power and explosiveness, and can demand extra attention from opposing lines; has a nice first step for a player of his size. Uses his length to lock out blockers effectively when two-gapping and is capable of holding the point of attack when run at. Flashes the ability to locate the football, scrape down the line and make tackles when engaged.

Surprisingly rangy in pursuit, showing good effort to chase runners out to the sidelines. As a pass-rusher, is very power-based, primarily working the bull rush and keeping his feet churning after contact to walk back opposing linemen. Keeps his hands active when his initial move is unsuccessful. Has a tight, well-controlled spin move, showing good balance. His motor isn’t in question — brings it on a snap-to-snap basis.

Negatives

Could be a bit taller than some even-front teams look for in their nose tackles. Would like to see him be more consistent about keeping his head up and generating leverage with his knees, as he can lose track of the ball at times. Has some tendency to get stuck on blocks when he doesn’t locate them. Has had issues with missed tackles, leaving too many opportunities on the table.

As mentioned above, Harmon flashes a nice spin counter and is active with his hands, but can sometimes look like he doesn’t have a clear plan when his initial move is unsuccessful. Weight has fluctuated a bit (listed at 330 pounds back in 2021), but it seems like that had more to do with his intended role and may not be a cause for concern.

Summary

A big, strong defensive lineman with schematic versatility and a nice combination of explosiveness and power that allows him to create disruption as a penetrator and to hold the point of attack when two-gapping. Puts pretty much everything you want to see on tape at some point, although he could still improve his snap-to-snap consistency by polishing his technique and awareness and refining his overall repertoire of pass-rush moves. Players with these tools often come off the board within the first couple of rounds or so.

Defensive linemen are now a premium position in the league.

Projection: Round 2

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