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.
No, wisely passed on this QB. Will get their QB next draft when there will be better options
He will be a Brown tonight.
Brown steeler or saint. Calling it
Day late but a Brown….
Yup!
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
Shoulder problems…buyer beware
And still Aaron Rodgers keeps the steelers in limbo
TIME TO FORGET THIS POS AND DRAFT A QB.
Wake up rooney
They will draft one next draft. Will have more capital to move up if needed. Better options look to be available next draft.
Why just take a QB to take a QB, did’nt the Steelers do that before in Kenny Pickett. Now that the Sanders pick for the Steelers has passed, lets look at the process did the Steelers do their homework on Sanders? They felt he is not first round sure fit, they went for a eventually replacement at DT in Harmon.
Just what happens when a team miss the QB position, time after time a team reaches in draft for a QB it is going to take the Steelers to bottom out for a season get into the top 5 on the draft board to get the QB that may settle the position, until then cupboard is pretty bare. One good thing is that the QB class for 2026 draft looks real good ala 2024, just looking forward Steeler fans.
Leading up to the draft it was “Tomlin likes Sanders” and Steelers interested in Dart”. With both available they take a tackle. Can’t believe anything that’s being written this time of year. Writers just making stuff up.
Like always…just like the jack(0)s on 93.7