Steelers just pulled off a draft-day masterclass with flawless first-round move

The NFL Draft never fails to deliver drama. This year’s first round was no exception. With the 21st overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers made a bold and calculated move, selecting Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon.

The pick came after a surprising turn of events, notably the New Orleans Saints’ unexpected decision to pass on quarterback prospect Shedeur Sanders in favor of offensive tackle Kevin Banks Jr. out of Texas.

Many draft analysts and fans assumed Sanders, a dynamic talent and one of the most high-profile quarterbacks in the class, was a lock for the Saints, especially given the uncertainty surrounding Derek Carr’s future.

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However, New Orleans prioritized positional need and long-term stability on the offensive line, leaving Sanders to continue his slide.

Pittsburgh, which had done significant scouting on quarterback prospects, seemed poised to pounce if the right player fell to them. But with Sanders still on the board and no other top quarterback prospects fitting their vision, the Steelers shifted focus. Rather than repeat past mistakes—like the rushed selection of Kenny Pickett in 2022—the franchise opted for a cornerstone defensive piece in Harmon, reinforcing its identity as a defense-first team.

The Pittsburgh Steelers made the best decision possible with their first round capital

Derrick Harmon is no consolation prize. Widely regarded as one of the top two defensive tackles in the 2025 class, only Michigan’s Mason Graham and his teammate Kenneth Grant were selected before him for the position.

Harmon enters the league as the most motivated interior defender in the draft, eager to prove his worth and capitalize on being the third DT taken.

At 6'4" and 315 pounds, Harmon is a powerful, athletic force who wreaked havoc in the Pac-12 during his career at Oregon. His ability to clog running lanes, collapse pockets, and command double teams makes him an immediate impact player on a Steelers defensive front looking to reestablish its dominance.

For Pittsburgh, the pick represents discipline and long-term vision. Rather than reaching for a quarterback out of desperation, they played the board smartly and invested in a player who fits their culture and fills a pressing need.
With Harmon now joining a young, aggressive defense, the Steelers have added another foundational piece to build around in their quest to return to playoff contention.

In a night of surprises, Pittsburgh’s selection of Derrick Harmon might not have been flashy—but it was the right move.