Revenge of the Birds
The Oregon defensive lineman offers dominance and versatility along the defensive line.
We are finishing things up in our first round board, and will start next week to begin getting into the day two and maybe even the day three prospects that could fit what the Arizona Cardinals are looking for.
With our second of three prospect profiles today, we take a look at Oregon Ducks defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, the big man who helped make the Ducks one of the best defenses in the country in 2024.
From PFF:
Harmon wins with quickness — a quick first step, quick hands into the body and an ability to dictate contact. He can get low and maintain a low pad level in a four-point stance, but his highwaisted build is more obvious in a three-point stance, making it tough for him to get low and not pop up immediately after the snap. He pairs his long arms with upper-tier hand speed to make initial contact or execute a pass-rush move. He always finishes his gap-shooting and cross-face moves with a rip to get clean. His hand work is where he disrupts; he is difficult to stay in front of and latched onto. He displays a high football IQ and the “why” of defensive line play. Harmon constantly communicates pre-snap and has a good motor and a competitive attitude through the whistle.
Lance Zierlein gave an interesting quote from an NFC Executive:
“He plays like a Raven or a Steeler. Off the tape, he reminds me of a young Cam Heyward but bigger.”
Harmon is one of my favorite players in the 2025 NFL Draft. He reminds me of a Christian Barmore or Leonard Williams type of player. He can play anywhere along the defensive line and win in different ways.
He looks like he will be an anchor along the defensive line for a team for a decade.
Cam Heyward level of success would be an absolute dream, but I think Harmon is going to be a good player for a longtime in the NFL.
Could that be with the Arizona Cardinals?
