The Steelers have neither added a quarterback at No. 21 nor traded down. Pittsburgh has instead selected Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon.
As the shots of Shedeur Sanders created intrigue leading up to the pick, the Steelers went another way with their first-round choice. Harmon will bring a younger piece alongside Cam Heyward up front in Pittsburgh, which has tabled its much-publicized QB need.
A recent report also indicated the Steelers had placed a first-round grade on Jaxson Dart, but that same offering noted Harmon was a Round 1 target. Harmon relocated to Eugene after three years at Michigan State, using his Ducks stay to solidify first-round status. He had entered Thursday as a lock to go in Round 1, and the Steelers made him the fourth interior D-lineman off the board. The Steelers brought Harmon in on a “30” visit as well. Although he checked in as a lower-profile pick compared to Sanders, it is becoming clear the gap between Cam Ward and the other QB talents in this prospect pool is wide.
A three-star recruit, Harmon entered the transfer portal after the Spartans fired HC Mel Tucker. After briefly recommitting to Michigan State, he reentered and chose Oregon. With the Ducks, Harmon put up career-best numbers by registering five sacks, 11 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. The 311-pounder’s quickness and power make him a menace inside the tackles, but he also showed the ability to line up outside. This could give the Steelers options, as Heyward prepares to play an age-36 season after securing an extension last year.
The Steelers have been connected to Dart as recently as today, but they came into the draft not planning to use a first-round pick on a quarterback. They join the Browns, Giants and Saints to have punted on a QB need in Round 1, creating an interesting situation to close out the night. The Steelers are still courting Aaron Rodgers, after nearly two months, and could circle back to Kirk Cousins. Omar Khan and Co. wanted to make a QB investment in this draft or in 2026. The Steelers traded their second-round pick for D.K. Metcalf, however, limiting their options after the Harmon move.
Poor Shadeur …ouch!
Yup brutal
Poor Steelers fans Another decade of living in the past.
Heyward can’t play forever.
Pitt does need a QB but they can get one in later rounds. No point over reaching like they did with Pickett.
Wow, such a steelers pick. Decent enough value but QB > DT.
Shytty qb<DT
For only the second time this offseason, they made the right move.
Harmon fills a big need. I’m happy with the pick. Good job, Steelers.
They pass on Sanders to keep A-Ron happy? … I dunno