You ever watch a defensive tackle and just think, how is that human being moving that fast? That was basically the vibe around Derrick Harmon throughout the 2024 season. After transferring from Michigan State to Oregon, Harmon didn't just "fit in" with the Ducks; he became the tectonic plate that the entire defense shifted on.
Honestly, the Derrick Harmon scouting report has changed more than almost any other prospect in the last year. He went from a "solid rotational guy in East Lansing" to a "first-round lock who might be the next Cam Heyward."
It’s rare to see a guy at 6'5" and 310-plus pounds who doesn't just eat space but actively hunts. We aren't talking about a classic "space eater" who just stands there and hopes the linebacker makes a play. Harmon is a disruptor. He's violent. And if you're an NFL GM looking for interior pressure, he’s probably at the top of your board for a reason.
The Physical Profile: More Than Just Mass
Let’s get the numbers out of the way. Harmon stands about 6'5" and weighs in right around 313 pounds. But here is the thing: he doesn't play like a "fat" 310. He’s got this thick lower half that gives him a ridiculous anchor, yet his upper body is surprisingly lean for a defensive tackle.
His length is what really kills offensive linemen. He has 34 3/8-inch arms. In the trenches, that’s basically like having a cheat code. If Harmon gets his hands on your chest first, the rep is over. You’re done. You're moving backward.
- Height/Weight: 6'5" / 313 lbs
- Arm Length: 34 3/8" (Elite length)
- Hand Size: 10 3/8"
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.95 seconds (Moving for a big man)
He actually dropped about 40 pounds early in his college career. He was pushing 350 at one point at Michigan State. Getting down to that 310-315 range transformed him from a guy who could play two downs to a guy who can stay on the field for an entire 12-play drive without gasping for air.
Why the Derrick Harmon Scouting Report Pops on Film
If you pop on the tape—especially the 2024 Ohio State or Boise State games—the first thing you notice is the first step. It’s explosive. He’s not just leaning into the guard; he’s exploding through the gap.
The "Heavy Hands" Factor
Scouts love the term "heavy hands." It sounds like a cliché, but with Harmon, it’s literal. When he strikes a blocker, you can actually hear it on the broadcast. He uses a violent swipe-and-rip move that makes high-level college guards look like they’re on skates.
He’s incredibly polished for a guy his size. He isn't just a bull-rusher. He has a plan. He’ll set you up with the power, wait for you to lean, and then use that 83 3/4-inch wingspan to swim right past you. It’s a nightmare for centers who don’t have the foot speed to keep up with his lateral twitch.
Versatility Across the Front
Oregon moved him everywhere. He played 0-technique (nose), 3-technique, and even some 5-technique. This is why teams like the Steelers or Ravens—who run those hybrid 3-4 systems—are so high on him. He can two-gap and hold his ground against a double team, but he can also penetrate the B-gap and sack the quarterback.
In 2024, he finished with:
- 45 total tackles
- 10.5 tackles for loss
- 5.0 sacks
- 2 forced fumbles
Those aren't just "good for a DT" numbers. Those are "All-American" numbers. He’s the guy who forces the quarterback to "climb the pocket" right into the waiting arms of the edge rushers.
The Flaws: Nobody’s Perfect
If Harmon were perfect, he’d be the #1 overall pick. He’s not. There are some things on the Derrick Harmon scouting report that make coaches pull their hair out.
The biggest issue? Pad level. Because he’s 6'5", he naturally sits a bit high. When he gets tired, he tends to stand straight up. If an NFL guard gets under his chin, Harmon loses all that power. He becomes a spectator. He has to stay low to maintain that leverage, especially against the "leverage-savvy" veterans he'll face on Sundays.
He also has a tendency to over-pursue. He gets so excited about the "scent" of a sack that he’ll occasionally vacate his gap. If you’re playing a team with a smart running back, they’ll exploit that cutback lane every single time. It's basically a discipline issue that needs to be coached up.
"He plays like a Raven or a Steeler. Off the tape, he reminds me of a young Cam Heyward but bigger." — Anonymous NFC Executive via Lance Zierlein
NFL Comparison: Who Does He Play Like?
The most common comparison you’ll hear is Cam Heyward. It makes sense. Both guys have that "point of attack" strength where they just refuse to be moved.
But I actually see a bit of Johnathan Hankins or even D.J. Jones in his game when he’s playing the nose. He has that "low-center-of-gravity" power despite being a taller guy. If he hits his ceiling, he’s a Pro Bowl-caliber interior defender who can give you 6-8 sacks a year while being a brick wall against the run.
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The Draft Outlook: Where Does He Go?
As of right now, Harmon is firmly in the Mid-to-Late 1st Round conversation.
Some teams might have a Day 2 grade on him if they’re worried about his "high-waisted" build, but players with his combination of length and interior pass-rush win rate don't grow on trees. If a team like the Pittsburgh Steelers (pick 21) or the Kansas City Chiefs (late 1st) are on the clock, it’s hard to imagine them passing on a guy who can anchor a defensive line for the next decade.
Basically, Harmon is the "safe" pick that also has "high-ceiling" upside. You know exactly what you’re getting: a violent, long, and technically sound defensive tackle who loves to play the game.
Actionable Insights for Evaluating Harmon
- Watch the pad level: If you’re scouting him, watch the 3rd quarter. Does he stay low, or is he standing up?
- Hand placement: Check if he’s getting his hands inside the blocker's frame. When he does, he wins 90% of the time.
- Conditioning: See if he’s still chasing the ball 20 yards downfield in the 4th quarter. That’s the difference between a starter and a star.
Keep an eye on his Pro Day numbers. If he can show a bit more "twitch" in the short-shuttle or 3-cone drills, he might just jump into the Top 15. He’s already proven he’s a beast in the Big Ten and the Big 12 (portal era, baby); now he just has to prove he can keep his chest clean against NFL-level power.
Next Steps for Draft Fans:
If you want to see Harmon at his best, go watch the "True Pass Set" film from the 2024 season. His win rate in those situations was over 17%, which is elite for an interior lineman. Compare his hand usage to other top DTs in this class like Mason Graham or Tyleik Williams to see why his "reach" is such a massive advantage.