Derrick Harmon Scouting Report
By: Michael Higgins
(Image courtesy of Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
School: Oregon
Class: Redshirt Junior
Position: IDL
HT: 6’4
WT: 313 lbs
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Background: Derrick Harmon was a 3-star defensive lineman out of Detroit, Michigan. Harmon attended Loyola High School, where he was twice named a first team all-state selection. He was a top 100 defensive lineman in the country for the class of 2021. Derrick helped Loyola win a district title as a senior in 2020. Harmon committed to Michigan State over Ole Miss, Southern Miss, and others.
College: Derrick redshirted in 2021, but became a starter on the defensive front for the Spartans in 2022. He totaled 3 TFLs and 2 sacks on his way to being named an honorable mention Freshman All-American. In 2023, Harmon started 10 games, recording 3.5 TFLs and 1.5 sacks. Ahead of the 2024 season, Harmon transferred to Oregon. Harmon broke out for the Ducks and played himself into 1st round pick discussions. In his one season with the Ducks, Harmon recorded 10.5 TFLs and 5 sacks. He was an All-Big 10 Third Team selection.
Strengths: Derrick Harmon is a disruptive interior defensive lineman. Harmon can get after the quarterback in a variety of ways. He brings a pass rushing upside that is relatively rare at the position. Harmon reacts to down and backside blocks well, he is able to change trajectory on the fly and is a great processor of what is happening in front of him. Harmon has active hands to deconstruct and shed blocks. Not only are his hands active, but they are strong and heavy, allowing him to break the grip of the strongest interior offensive linemen. Harmon is often the one to create contact in the phone booth. He gets his first punch in and can knock his opponent off their foundation. He has a variety of pass rushing moves to win on the interior, but he can also be seen playing at the 5 tech or edge position and winning there. He has the speed and the thunderous power to win anywhere. In the run game, Harmon does well to set his own foundation and can stall double teams on the offensive line to allow his linebackers to get down to the line of scrimmage and make a play.
Weaknesses: When lined up on the inside, Harmon plays with too high of a pad level, stalling his rush before it gets started. When in open space, Harmon does well to make up ground if the ball carrier bounces the ball outside, but he can get swallowed up by blocks in open space. Harmon does not have as effective of a counter rush as he does an initial rush. He is disruptive off the snap, but he has struggled to consistently finish plays for the entirety of his career. He gets a bit sporadic or sloppy at the finish line of a play.
Conclusion: Derrick Harmon is a physical grinder at the line and can win with power and explosiveness. Harmon brings the pass rush that is desired but not usually found in the interior. He can afford to play lower at times but he is effective in most phases of the game. He will absorb a heavy percentage of snaps in the NFL.
Scheme Fit: 4-3
Ideal Role: 3 tech
Best Team Fits: BUF, LAC, CIN
Player Comparison: Cam Heyward
Player Grade: Round 2 (88.8)
