Steelers Pass on Rising QB to Address DL in Latest Mock Draft
The Pittsburgh Steelers pass on quarterback to address their aging defensive line in ESPN's Mel Kiper's latest mock draft.
The Pittsburgh Steelers remain in the market for a quarterback as the Aaron Rodgers saga drags on. However, Mel Kiper of ESPN believes they’ll use their first round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to address another big need.
In Kiper’s latest mock draft, he has the Steelers selecting Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon with pick No. 21.
“Harmon is a constant headache for opponents,” Kiper writes. “He had five sacks and 35 pressures as an interior pass rusher last season, and he took care of business in the run game with 11 stops and 10 tackles for loss. Keeanu Benton and Harmon would be a good pairing inside.”
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, his 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.
Pittsburgh needs an influx of youth on its defensive line. Defensive tackle Cameron Heyward will turn 36 this summer and the team released veteran Larry Ogunjobi in March.
That has left a hole on the Steelers roster and one that Kiper believes will be filled on Day 1 of the draft.
The Steelers did have another interesting choice still available in Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart, who was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams at pick No. 26.
Dart, 21, has been rising up draft boards over the past couple of months after throwing for 10,617 yards, 72 touchdowns and 22 interceptions during his three years at Mississippi. He also rushed for 1,500 yards and 12 more scores.
However, many around the league think it’s a “safe bet” that Rodgers will end up in Pittsburgh. So until he proves that isn’t the case, Kiper thinks the Steelers will opt to round out the rest of their roster.
“I originally had Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart to Pittsburgh,” Kiper writes. “He throws with accuracy and velocity, and he’d be a potential short- and long-term answer. We’re all still waiting to see what happens with Aaron Rodgers, so I’ll hold off on any quarterback moves for the Steelers until we know a little more.”