Oregon's disappointing performance in the Rose Bowl on Wednesday resulted in its elimination from the College Football Playoff by Ohio State 41-21. Several Ducks prospects will now shift their attention to the 2025 NFL Draft. Defensive tackle Derrick Harmon possesses an excellent opportunity to be the highest-drafted talent from the program during April's festivities.
Harmon is a compact and twitched-up defender with three-down potential. Harmon is a swift and intentional mover who often gains backfield penetration as a strong run defender. He's consistently active and disruptive. The Ducks standout recorded 45 tackles, five sacks, two forced fumbles, and two pass breakups this season.
We've identified three ideal team fits for Harmon in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Minnesota Vikings
Defensive coordinator Brian Flores has the Minnesota Vikings' defense firing on all cylinders this season. Despite losing Danielle Hunter in the offseason, the Vikings have recorded a fourth-best 47 sacks heading into their NFC North-deciding finale versus the Detroit Lions in Week 18.
Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard were fantastic additions, combining for 22.5 sacks to date. Pat Jones II ranks third on the defense in sacks with seven QB takedowns. Imagine what Van Ginkel, Greenard, and Jones would be capable of if they had an interior defender who consistently commands attention. That's one of very few weaknesses on Flores' defense this season.
Drafting Harmon would complete Minnesota's defensive line transformation. Harmon should garner consideration from GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah with his opening-round pick.
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins did not properly address Christian Wilkins' departure. Wilkins was absolutely dominant throughout 2023, recording 9.0 sacks en route to cashing in via a $110 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency. Miami needs to invest in another defensive tackle this offseason.
Zach Sieler is among the most underrated defensive linemen in the league, but will the 38-year-old Calais Campbell return for another campaign in 2025? The ageless Campbell has totaled nearly 600 defensive snaps this season. If that workload needs replacing next season, Harmon should appear on Chris Grier's shortlist entering this pre-draft process. Harmon would look great on a defensive line that should have Bradley Chubb, Chop Robinson, and Jaelan Phillips at its disposal next season. First-year defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver would appreciate the upgrade heading into his second campaign in charge.
Buffalo Bills
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott has always preferred to roster a deep rotation of defensive tackles. Personnel packages are designed on a down-and-distance basis, and different players fill varying roles. McDermott's approach requires the Bills to keep the cupboard full with capable contributors at defensive tackle.
The list of Buffalo's pending free agents includes five defensive linemen, Austin Johnson and Dawuane Smoot among them, who have given the Bills quality snaps throughout a highly successful 2024 season. The best way for Brandon Beane to replenish is through the 2025 NFL Draft. Harmon would be competitive and impactful for McDermott next season. Defensive tackle will be fairly high on Buffalo's offseason priorities, potentially even with their first-round selection.
