Derrick Harmon: Experts Weigh In On Steelers' 1st-Round Draft Pick

PITTSBURGH, PA — The Steelers still don't know who their starting quarterback will be for the upcoming season, but they didn't address the position in the first round of the NFL Draft on Thursday night. Instead, they selected Oregon defensive lineman Derrick Harmon with 21st pick.

Head coach Mike Tomlin said Harmon "has Steelers DNA."

"For us, it starts inside and up front, and this is a guy that's capable of dominating that space versus the run and the pass, so we're really excited about having him," he said. "We were not interested in considering trading away from him, and really excited about getting him in here and getting started."

Here's what NFL writers across the country thought of the pick:

Matt Verdermane, Sports Illustrated: Grade A. "Harmon is firmly in the second tier of defensive tackles in this class, only trailing Michigan’s Mason Graham. At Oregon, Harmon started 13 games after spending his first three years with the Michigan State Spartans. All told, the second-team All-American totaled 10.5 tackles for loss and five sacks with the Ducks, putting himself squarely in the first round conversation."

Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: Grade B-. "This pick makes a ton of sense since they need young players on their defensive line. Passing on a quarterback was the right move. The Steelers love big people early in the draft. It works."

Brooke Pryor, ESPN: "The Steelers needed an infusion of youth on an aging and thin defensive line. With Cameron Heyward turning 36 next month, addressing the position was a priority. In Harmon, the Steelers have a running mate to pair with 2023 second-round pick Keeanu Benton, who is primed to be a future anchor of the position."

Chad Reuter, NFL.com: Grade A. "Harmon is a nice fit for Pittsburgh as a 5-technique because of his

explosiveness off the snap and agility for his size. He can play some 1-technique in passing situations, as well, overwhelming centers and guards with his plus length and quickness."

Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: Grade B-. "The Steelers had a massive need at quarterback and passed on both Sheuder Sanders and Jaxson Dart to reach a bit for a second-round player, extending for a need despite the fact Walter Nolen and Kenneth Grant were well off the board. Harmon gives them a run-stuffing boost, but they have may left more overall impact on the table."