Steelers Land Cameron Heyward’s ‘Long-Term Replacement’ in Latest Mock Draft
The Pittsburgh Steelers are projected to draft Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon in the 2025 NFL Draft.
It’s safe to say the Pittsburgh Steelers are going to target a defensive lineman early in the 2025 NFL Draft after releasing defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi and not making a significant signing to replace him. Mike Band of NFL.com seems to agree as he projects the Steelers will use their first-round pick on one.
In Band’s first mock draft, he has Pittsburgh selecting Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon with pick No. 21.
“General manager Omar Khan and head Mike Tomlin know it’s time to start planning for a long-term replacement for Cameron Heyward. The seven-time Pro Bowler turns 36 in May and carries a $19 million-plus cap hit in each of the next two years,” Band writes. “Harmon has the size, length and power to fit well as a 5-technique in Teryl Austin’s 3-4 scheme. Although Khan and Tomlin didn’t travel west for Harmon’s Pro Day, a solid combine interview may have solidified interest.”
Harmon, 21, likely solidified himself as a first-round pick at the NFL Scouting Combine. The 6-foot-4 1/2, 313-pound defensive tackle ran an impressive 4.95-second 40-yard dash and 1.74-second 10-yard split.
However, Harmon’s 2024 campaign made a strong argument that should be the case, too. Last season, he had a career-high 45 tackles (27 solo), five sacks, two forced fumbles and two passes defensed.
Before transferring to Oregon in 2024, Harmon spent three years at Michigan State, where he recorded 69 tackles (24 solo), 3.5 sacks, one forced fumble and two passes defensed.
Harmon may not only be Heyward’s future replacement, but also Heyward 2.0. The Oregon product has already received several comparisons to Heyward throughout the pre-draft process.
In fact, Harmon himself revealed he’s watched Heyward for inspiration at the NFL level.
“Definitely Cam,” Harmon said. “The run, how he plays that run. If I want to watch some run tape, I’m turning on Cam Heyward.”
Depending on how the draft falls, he might just get the chance to learn from Heyward up close before eventually taking his place.
Alan Saunders provided reporting from Indianapolis.