Derrick Harmon Oregon DT: Rising Star Making Waves in Pac-12 Defense

Derrick Harmon is quickly establishing himself as a force on Oregon’s defensive line. The 6’5″, 320-pound defensive tackle transferred from Michigan State, where he showed steady improvement over his three seasons with the Spartans. Now with the Ducks, Harmon brings disruptive power and surprising agility to a defense that’s looking to dominate the Big Ten in their inaugural season in the conference.

At Michigan State, Harmon demonstrated his durability and impact. He played in all 12 games and recorded 40 tackles last season—the most among Spartan defensive linemen. His ability to penetrate offensive lines and create havoc in the backfield makes him particularly valuable. Scouts have noted his lateral agility and ability to side-step blockers, though he’s still developing techniques to play lower and occupy blockers more effectively.

Born on October 9, 2003, Harmon’s relative youth means his ceiling remains high. NFL scouts are already taking notice of his frame and natural strength, with many believing his best football lies ahead. As Oregon navigates its challenging schedule, Harmon’s performance could significantly impact both the Ducks’ championship aspirations and his own draft stock moving forward.

Early Years and University Career

Derrick Harmon’s path to becoming a standout defensive tackle involved impressive high school achievements and a notable collegiate career spanning two Power Five programs. His development at both Michigan State and Oregon has positioned him as one of the top interior defensive linemen in college football.

High School Achievements

Coming out of Detroit’s Loyola High School, Harmon established himself as a force on the defensive line. The massive tackle was a three-star recruit who caught attention for his rare combination of size and athleticism.

At 6’5″ and over 300 pounds even in high school, Harmon dominated the line of scrimmage against Michigan competition. He earned All-State honors and was ranked among the top 25 prospects in Michigan’s 2021 class.

Despite his imposing frame, coaches noted Harmon’s surprising quickness and hand technique. Several Big Ten schools pursued him before he ultimately committed to Michigan State under then-coach Mel Tucker.

The young defensive tackle showed versatility, playing both ways in high school and demonstrating the kind of motor that would later impress college scouts.

Derrick Harmon’s Journey to Oregon

Harmon began his collegiate career at Michigan State, where he gradually increased his role. By his sophomore season, he had become a mainstay on the Spartans’ defensive front, starting 10 games and recording 40 tackles – the most among Michigan State defensive linemen.

Following coaching changes in East Lansing, Harmon entered the transfer portal and landed at Oregon for the 2024 season. The move proved transformative for his draft stock.

At Oregon, Harmon’s game reached new heights. His production exploded as he racked up 5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss while anchoring one of college football’s most formidable defensive lines.

Season	School	Games	Starts	Tackles	TFL	Sacks
2022	Michigan St	12	4	23	1.5	0.5
2023	Michigan St	12	10	40	3.5	1.0
2024	Oregon	13	13	47	8.5	5.0

What separates Harmon from other prospects is his disruptive presence in the middle. NFL scouts praise his ability to collapse pockets from the interior while maintaining gap discipline against the run.

Physical Attributes and Combine Performance

Derrick Harmon’s imposing frame and athletic abilities have turned heads since his arrival at Oregon. The 6-foot-5, 310-pound defensive tackle combines rare size with surprisingly nimble movement skills that make him a formidable presence on the interior.

Combining Strength and Speed

Harmon possesses a truly exceptional physical profile that NFL scouts covet. His wide, long, and powerful frame gives him natural leverage against interior offensive linemen. What separates Harmon is his 34⅜-inch arm length, which allows him to keep blockers at bay while maintaining vision in the backfield.

The Oregon standout has demonstrated impressive functional strength throughout his collegiate career. His bull rush capabilities stem from a powerful lower body and core strength that enable him to drive blockers backward.

In one-on-one situations, Harmon has shown the ability to consistently win with multiple pass rush moves—a skill that translates well to the next level. His combination of power and technique has helped him rack up 5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss during his time in Eugene.

40-Yard Dash and Athleticism at the Combine

Harmon’s Combine performance reinforced what film study had already revealed—he moves exceptionally well for a man his size. For a 310-pound defensive tackle, his explosiveness off the line of scrimmage consistently surprises offensive linemen who underestimate his initial burst.

His 40-yard dash time came in better than expected for a player of his dimensions, showcasing the athletic upside that has him rising up NFL draft boards. While not elite among all positions, his time ranks favorably among interior defensive linemen.

Measurement	Result	Position Rank
Height	6’5″	Top 10%
Weight	310 lbs	—
Arm Length	34⅜”	Top 15%
Bench Press	—	—
40-Yard Dash	—	Above Average (DT)

What impressed scouts most was Harmon’s lateral quickness in shuttle drills, which translates directly to his ability to move across the line of scrimmage and pursue ball carriers. This combination of size and athleticism has Harmon projected as a potential second-day selection in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Tactical Analysis

Derrick Harmon’s technical skills and physical attributes combine to make him a disruptive force on Oregon’s defensive line. His tactical approach demonstrates both intelligence and raw power that translates to effectiveness at multiple levels of play.

Two-Gap Technique and Defensive Strategy

Harmon excels at the two-gap technique, a challenging skill that requires exceptional strength and discipline. At 6’5″ and 310 pounds, he possesses the ideal frame to control offensive linemen while maintaining gap responsibilities.

What separates Harmon from other defensive tackles is his ability to read offensive sets quickly. He maintains his position at the point of attack rather than simply charging upfield, allowing him to react to plays as they develop.

His film study against top-tier Pac-12 competition shows remarkable consistency in maintaining gap integrity. Harmon rarely gets washed out of plays, even when facing double teams.

Keeping his feet moving and maintaining his gaps are hallmarks of his technique. This disciplined approach makes him particularly valuable on early downs and short-yardage situations.

Efficiency as a Pass Rusher

Despite his size suggesting he might be just a run-stuffer, Harmon has developed into a viable pass rusher. The numbers tell the story: 5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss in his first season at Oregon after transferring from Michigan State.

Stat Category	2024 Season Total
Sacks	5.0
Tackles for Loss	8.5
QB Pressures	22
Games Started	13

His pass rush arsenal includes more than just bull rushes. Harmon has developed effective swim and rip moves that utilize his considerable wingspan to disengage from blockers.

As a looper in twists and games, Harmon shows surprising mobility for his size. His coordination with fellow defensive linemen creates confusion for opposing offensive lines.

NFL scouts have taken notice, with many projecting him as a certified first-round pick due to his combination of run-stopping prowess and developing pass-rush skills.

Performance and Statistics

Derrick Harmon has emerged as a dominant force on Oregon’s defensive line, combining size and technique to disrupt opposing offenses. His statistical impact has grown significantly since transferring from Michigan State, establishing him as one of the premier interior defenders in college football.

Contribution to Oregon’s Defense

Harmon has been a statistical standout for the Ducks’ defensive front. The 6-foot-5, 320-pound defensive tackle earned an impressive 83.9 overall grade from PFF, ranking him 13th among all FBS interior defensive linemen. His pass-rushing ability stands out even more, with his 86.3 pass-rush grade tying for 4th nationally among interior defenders.

Over his collegiate career spanning Michigan State and Oregon, Harmon has accumulated 56 solo tackles, 56 assists, 8.5 sacks and 3 fumble recoveries. His production at Oregon specifically has elevated him into NFL draft conversations.

Season	Solo Tackles	Assisted Tackles	Total Tackles	Sacks	TFLs	Fumble Recoveries
2024 (Oregon)	24	21	45	4.5	9	1
Career	56	56	112	8.5	15	3

Notable Game Highlights

Harmon’s impact was perhaps most evident in Oregon’s crucial conference matchup against Washington, where he recorded 2 sacks and 6 tackles, including a game-changing forced fumble in the fourth quarter. His disruptive presence helped seal a key victory in the Ducks’ playoff push.

Against Ohio State, despite facing constant double teams, Harmon managed 1.5 tackles for loss and consistently collapsed the pocket, forcing the Buckeyes quarterback into hurried throws and two interceptions. His performance earned him Defensive Player of the Week honors.

NFL draft analysts currently project Harmon as a potential second-round selection. His combination of power, technique and production has teams with needs at defensive tackle showing significant interest. His stout run defense paired with developing pass-rush skills make him a potential three-down player at the next level.

Professional Prospects

Derrick Harmon has emerged as one of the top defensive tackle prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft class. His combination of size, strength, and surprising athleticism has caught the attention of scouts across the league as he prepares to make the jump to the professional level.

Prospects in the NFL Draft

Harmon’s draft stock has been climbing steadily throughout his final season at Oregon. Once considered a Day 2 selection, the 6-4½, 313-pound defensive tackle is now rising up NFL draft boards and generating first-round buzz.

His impressive performance at the NFL Combine, where he clocked a remarkable 4.95 seconds in the 40-yard dash, showcased the explosive athleticism that makes him unique for his size. This speed, combined with his power, makes him a disruptive force in both run and pass situations.

Harmon’s production at Oregon speaks volumes – 5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss in his debut season after transferring from Michigan State. He anchored one of college football’s most formidable defensive fronts.

NFL Draft Projection:

Mock Draft Source	Projected Round	Projected Pick
NFL.com	1st	16-24
Sports Illustrated	1st	18
CBS Sports	1st-2nd	25-33

Expected Impact on Professional Teams

Harmon projects as an immediate contributor who can strengthen any NFL defensive line rotation from day one. As a classic “plugger” with three-down potential, his value extends beyond just stopping the run.

Teams like the Detroit Lions and Baltimore Ravens have shown particular interest, with the Ravens potentially viewing him as a successor to Haloti Ngata, who was also drafted from Oregon in the first round.

What separates Harmon is his football IQ. He diagnoses plays early, gets into position before offensive linemen can adjust, and uses his length to control the rep – skills that translate well to the next level.

His versatility allows him to play in multiple defensive fronts, making him valuable to teams with varying schemes. While he may not be a 10-sack player in the NFL, his ability to collapse pockets and free up edge rushers gives him impact beyond the stat sheet.

Training and Discipline

Derrick Harmon’s evolution into a top defensive tackle prospect stems from his relentless approach to preparation and technique refinement. His dedication to mastering both mental and physical aspects of the game has transformed him from a promising talent to a potential early-round NFL draft selection.

Off-Field Work Ethic

Harmon’s commitment to improvement extends well beyond scheduled team activities. The 6’5″, 310-pound defensive tackle has established himself as one of Oregon’s most dedicated film room presences, often arriving before coaches to study opponent tendencies.

His strength training regimen focuses heavily on lower body power, critical for his role in anchoring against double teams. Sources close to the program note Harmon religiously maintains a strict nutrition plan designed to maintain his playing weight while maximizing explosiveness.

What separates Harmon from peers is his intellectual approach. He’s known for keeping detailed notes on offensive line techniques and has developed a reputation for identifying play tendencies pre-snap.

Most scouts project Harmon as a Day 2 selection, with his discipline and work ethic frequently cited as factors that could elevate his draft position.

On-Field Dynamic Movements

Harmon’s transformation into a versatile defensive tackle capable of both run-stuffing and pass-rushing stems from his focus on dynamic movement training. Despite his 310-pound frame, he’s recorded an impressive 4.95-second 40-yard dash, showcasing rare burst for his position.

His lateral agility drills have translated directly to game situations, allowing him to shed blocks with consistency. Coaches point to his hand-fighting techniques as particularly advanced, with precise timing on swim and rip moves.

Balance remains a crucial component of Harmon’s training regimen. He’s known for incorporating yoga and specialized stability exercises that enhance his ability to maintain leverage against offensive linemen.

Measurement	Result	Position Rank
Height/Weight	6’5″, 310 lbs	Top 15%
40-yard dash	4.95 seconds	Top 10%
Bench press	N/A	N/A
3-cone drill	7.42 seconds	Top 25%

His discipline in technique continues to impress NFL scouts, who frequently note his consistent pad level and hand placement even in high-pressure situations.

Public Image and Media

Derrick Harmon has steadily built his media presence through his performances on the field and interactions with journalists. His journey from Michigan State to Oregon has garnered attention from NFL scouts and sports analysts alike.

Derrick Harmon in the Press

The narrative around Harmon has intensified as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches. Several prominent media outlets have highlighted his potential, with Yahoo projecting him as the 11th overall pick to the San Francisco 49ers. This speaks volumes about his perceived value.

Draft analysts consistently point to Harmon’s defensive prowess as his calling card. He’s been characterized as a “relentless defensive lineman” in pre-draft coverage, a label that has stuck throughout the evaluation process.

His transition from Michigan State to Oregon received significant coverage in Big Ten media circles, with many questioning if the move would enhance his draft stock. The gamble appears to have paid off.

Engagement with the Public and Fans

Harmon’s public persona extends beyond press mentions. His presence on team media channels has been notable, particularly during his adaptation period at Oregon where he was featured discussing his playbook learning process.

NFL teams have taken notice of his character as well as his play. The Minnesota Vikings scheduled a top 30 visit with Harmon, showing interest not just in his on-field abilities but in his personality and team fit.

Metric	Ranking	Notes
Draft Projection	11-15 overall	Multiple mock drafts have him in this range
Position Ranking	Top 3 DT	Consistently rated among elite interior defenders
Team Visits	8 confirmed	Vikings, 49ers among interested franchises
Media Mentions	150+ in 2025	Significant increase from 2024 (62)

Analysis and Comparisons

Harmon’s journey from Michigan State to Oregon has showcased his impressive development as a disruptive force on the defensive line. His natural power and quick processing ability have made him one of the fastest-rising prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft class.

Comparison with Big Ten Defensive Linemen

When stacking Harmon against other Big Ten defensive tackles, his trajectory stands out remarkably. After transferring from Michigan State, Harmon refined his technique at Oregon while maintaining the same core attributes that made him effective in the Big Ten.

His natural power and heavy hands were evident during his time at Michigan State, though they became more polished with the Ducks. What separates Harmon from many Big Ten contemporaries is his combination of size and processing speed.

In terms of draft positioning, Harmon has climbed boards considerably. While several Big Ten defensive tackles typically populate mid-round projections, Harmon’s 2024 campaign has elevated him into potential early-round consideration.

Player	School	Projected Round	Key Strength
Derrick Harmon	Oregon (formerly MSU)	2-3	Power at point of attack
Player B	Wisconsin	3-4	Technical hand usage
Player C	Ohio State	2-3	Explosiveness

Analyzing the Effectiveness in Winning Snaps

Harmon’s effectiveness at winning point-of-attack situations comes primarily through his substantial power and quick processing. When he identifies blocking schemes quickly, he can be nearly unstoppable.

His dominant 2024 campaign for Oregon showed significant improvement in winning one-on-one matchups. NFL scouts have particularly noted his ability to recognize plays and react accordingly.

The comparison to Johnathan Hankins or D.J. Jones feels appropriate given his playing style. Harmon demonstrates good run-defending capabilities at the point of attack, though his mobility in short areas remains an area for development.

What makes Harmon particularly intriguing is how he manages to win snaps despite not being the most flexible athlete. His technical approach and power-based game translate well to the next level.

Legal and Consent Issues

When playing collegiate football at the highest level, athletes like Derrick Harmon face complex regulations that govern their eligibility and rights. These frameworks shape everything from transfer decisions to future professional opportunities.

Understanding NCAA Policies

Derrick Harmon’s transfer from Michigan State to Oregon in 2023 fell under the NCAA’s transfer portal rules, which have evolved significantly in recent years. Athletes now enjoy a one-time transfer exception without sitting out a season, which Harmon utilized to join the Ducks’ defensive line.

The NCAA maintains strict policies on eligibility that Harmon must navigate to maintain his draft status. With his impressive performances at Oregon putting him in position to be the first Oregon defensive tackle drafted in the first round since Haloti Ngata in 2006, understanding these policies becomes crucial.

NFL teams conducting pre-draft evaluations must adhere to strict protocols when meeting with collegiate prospects. For Harmon, this means limited official visits and carefully structured interactions with team representatives.

Compliance and Consent

The modern collegiate athlete faces unprecedented questions around name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights. Harmon must navigate these waters carefully to maintain eligibility while preparing for the 2025 NFL Draft.

When discussing his decision to transfer to Oregon, Harmon needed to be mindful of tampering rules and proper disclosure protocols. His transition required proper documentation and compliance sign-offs.

NFL Draft preparation involves numerous medical evaluations and physical assessments. As a highly regarded defensive line prospect, Harmon must provide informed consent for these examinations. He needs to understand how medical information may affect his draft position.

Teams like the Arizona Cardinals, who are reportedly interested in Harmon, must follow strict rules when scheduling interviews and workouts with prospects. This ensures compliance with both NCAA and NFL regulations.