The first group of NFL prospects took the field in Indianapolis on Thursday afternoon for the 2025 NFL Combine. First up were the defensive tackles, but one Duck stole the show. Defensive lineman Derrick Harmon delivered a standout performance during on-field drills, proving he belongs among the top defensive tackle prospects in the draft.
At 6 feet 4 inches and 313 pounds, Harmon turned a lot of heads with his 4.95 second 40 yard dash, which ranked fourth among all defensive linemen to run. His movement skills were equally impressive, as he looked smooth and explosive during the wave drills and maneuvered around the bags with elite agility. NFL evaluators took notice, as Harmon’s combination of power and quickness was on full display.
After his performance, ESPN’s Jordan Reid named Harmon one of the biggest winners of the day, emphasizing how rare his athleticism is for a player of his size.
“Harmon was one of Thursday’s biggest winners, as running a 4.95 second 40 yard dash at 6 foot 5, 322 pounds was impressive.” Reid said. “He also dominated the workout portion, with his movement skills and fluidity during the wave drill standing out. This comes after Harmon had the best season of his career in 2024 following a transfer from Michigan State to Oregon. He showed a consistent ability to disrupt offenses by penetrating the first level.”
Before the combine, Harmon was widely projected as a late first round selection, but after his phenomenal showing in Indianapolis, he now appears firmly in the middle of the first round. Reid suggests that Harmon could be selected as high as No. 17 overall by the Cincinnati Bengals, as teams covet his ability to be an every down force on the interior defensive line. The latest I see Harmon sliding after this performance would be to the Houston Texans at 25. A great fit for Harmon would be the Chargers at 22, as throwing a monstrous defensive tackle like Harmon on their interior defensive line would open up so much for Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack if he stays, and Tuli Tuipulotu.
Harmon’s film already showcased his elite traits, and his combine numbers only reinforced them. His game is built on thunderous hands that allow him to consistently win leverage battles at the point of attack. He possesses natural power and elite upper-body strength, making him a nightmare for centers and guards trying to block him one-on-one. His devastating rip move, combined with his length, gives him true three-down potential. Harmon was an overwhelming force in the middle of the defensive line last season, finishing the year with 5 sacks and proving he can both shut down the run and generate interior pressure on the quarterback.
Beyond his physical attributes, Harmon has a high football IQ that makes him a disruptive presence. His outstanding spatial awareness and play recognition skills allow him to diagnose plays pre-snap and beat blockers to their spots, disrupting offensive timing. His bull rush is a legitimate weapon, as he collapses pockets from the interior with force, something that was especially evident in Oregon’s biggest matchups last season.
One of Harmon’s defining traits is his relentless motor and ability to fight through contact. When teams attempt to reach block him, he does not just engage—he battles. His quick processing skills allow him to adjust mid-play, making him especially effective against zone-blocking schemes. Despite his height, Harmon plays with natural leverage, consistently getting under his opponent’s pads and driving them into the backfield.
There are still areas of his game that need refinement. Harmon occasionally plays with too much aggression, leading to missed tackles or overpursuit. However, with NFL coaching, he has all the tools to refine his technique and become a dominant presence at the next level.
Heading into the draft, Harmon I would now consider the second best defensive tackle prospect in the 2025 class, trailing only Michigan’s Mason Graham. With his rare blend of size, athleticism, and power, Harmon has solidified his place as a first round selection and could be one of the first defensive linemen off the board. While he still has Oregon’s Pro Day to further cement his stock, he has already made a massive statement to NFL teams.
Not to mention there are a plethora of reports that Derrick Harmon aced his interviews with teams. Harmon is a fantastic leader and motivator that any team dreams of adding to their culture. Combining great character with his eye popping athleticism and strong tape is a story for success and certainly will earn him an early selection on draft night.
Derrick Harmon was already seen as a potential late first rounder, but after his remarkable combine performance, he is now expected to be selected somewhere in the middle of the first round. As the draft approaches, do not be surprised if Harmon’s name continues to rise up draft boards, as he has proven himself as one of the most exciting defensive linemen in this year’s class.
Photo Credits: Spartan Avenue, MLive, Oregon Live
