The Pittsburgh Steelers had a golden opportunity to shake up the 2025 NFL Draft — and possibly their future — by selecting a high-upside quarterback like Shedeur Sanders at No. 21. Instead, they doubled down in the trenches, drafting Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon. This move left many fans questioning the long-term plan under center.
With Cam Heyward nearing the end of his remarkable run in Pittsburgh, the front office prioritized the defensive front. But the pick came amid speculation that Sanders, once considered a lock for the top 10, could be in play for the Steelers. It also came with uncertainty swirling around Aaron Rodgers, who is still unsigned and reportedly hesitant to join a team that plans to develop a young quarterback.
Now, with no second-round pick — thanks to the DK Metcalf trade — and no clear signal-caller of the future, the decision to pass on Sanders looms large.
Steelers GM Focuses on Building From the Trenches With Derrick Harmon
Speaking to reporters following the first round of the NFL Draft, Steelers general manager Omar Khan explained the rationale behind the selection of Harmon. “Those big guys are hard to find and when you get an opportunity to get one, you do it,” Khan said. “Derrick checks every box for us — size, strength, motor, and leadership.”
#Steelers GM Omar Khan on selecting DT Derrick Harmon.
"Those big guys are hard to find and when you get an opportunity to get one, you do it."
— Aaron Becker (@Aaron_M_Becker)
The move signals that the Steelers are betting on defense to carry the franchise through yet another year of quarterback purgatory. Harmon is expected to step into a key rotational role immediately and potentially take over for Heyward should he retire after the 2025 season.
“He has Steelers DNA,” Mike Tomlin added. “For us, it starts inside and up front. This is a guy that is capable of dominating that space versus the run and the pass. We are excited about having him. Really excited about getting him in here and getting started.
“There is no substitute for young talent. You don’t have a chance to build a quality defense unless you are stout inside and up front. This is a guy that has an opportunity to learn from the likes of Cam Heyward and put his hand in the pile and be a significant contributor for us for years to come.”
But that doesn’t erase the question marks under center — especially with Sanders and Jaxson Dart still available. The Ole Miss quarterback went to the New York Giants four picks later at No. 25, while Sanders remains on the board.
Still, it’s a high-risk move to pass on a signal-caller. The Steelers now must either land a veteran like Rodgers or hope a Day 3 flier pans out. Otherwise, Pittsburgh could be looking at another year of solid defense wasted by offensive inconsistency — something fans are already far too familiar with.
Steelers Go Grit Over Glam: Harmon Pick Marks First Defensive Priority Since 2019
It’s not the flashy Sanders, but Pittsburgh needed to address the defensive line. The team’s first picks since 2020 were all offense. Linebacker Devin Bush was the last defender taken with their first pick in 2019.
Pro Football Sports Network NFL Draft analyst Ian Cummings had this to say in his scouting report on Harmon:
“There’s something to be said about a DT who’s reliable in both phases of the game. Whether you need a pass-rushing catalyst or a stout run defender with two-gapping ability, Oregon’s Derrick Harmon has what you need.
“At around 6’4 1/2″ and a playing weight of 320 pounds, with over 34″ arms, Harmon outmatches many blockers off size alone. In the run game, his anchor strength and shedding ability can be overwhelming, and his violent hands erode blocks on the rush.”
