Steelers Make Bold Choice with Derrick Harmon Over Shedeur Sanders in 2025 NFL Draft
The Pittsburgh Steelers made waves on Day 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft, choosing Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon with their first-round pick and passing on Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who many expected to be selected much earlier. The decision not only shocked analysts like Mel Kiper Jr. but also intensified speculation around the Steelers’ quarterback situation heading into the new season.
Kiper, in particular, criticized the Steelers’ and Saints’ decisions to pass on Sanders, pointing to his upside and pedigree as a potential franchise quarterback. Yet the Steelers went in a different direction, opting to build up their defense rather than take a swing at a signal-caller. Head coach Mike Tomlin later offered candid insights into the team’s rationale — and future plans.
The Case for Derrick Harmon
At first glance, choosing a defensive tackle in the first round might not seem like a flashy move. But for Tomlin and the Steelers, Derrick Harmon is anything but a typical prospect. Standing at 6 feet 4.5 inches and 313 pounds, Harmon brings size, power, and versatility to the defensive front — three traits Pittsburgh has always valued in its defensive linemen.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein praised Harmon’s ability to dominate the line of scrimmage, describing him as a “position-versatile building block” capable of clogging running lanes and disrupting plays in the backfield. His size and natural strength allow him to play multiple roles on the line — as a two-gap run-stopper or as a disruptive force on stunts and inside rushes.
“He has Steelers DNA,” said Tomlin. “For us, it starts inside and up front. This is a guy that is capable of dominating that space versus the run and the pass.”
Tomlin emphasized the long-term vision behind the pick, referencing Cam Heyward, the veteran defensive leader entering the twilight of his career. Harmon, Tomlin noted, will have the chance to learn directly from Heyward, essentially stepping into a mentorship dynamic designed to preserve and evolve the Steelers’ defensive identity.
Tomlin’s Comfort with the Pick
Harmon’s selection wasn’t a hasty decision. According to Tomlin, the team grew more confident in Harmon with every step of the pre-draft process. From his game film to his interviews at the NFL Combine and his official visit to Pittsburgh, Harmon consistently impressed the Steelers’ front office and coaching staff.
“I think he has been impressive in every step of the process for us,” Tomlin explained. “His tape was impressive. We had great visits with him in Indy. He came to Pittsburgh, and we had a great day with him. With each interaction, we got more and more comfortable that he was our type of guy.”
Tomlin also highlighted the importance of investing in young, interior defensive talent — calling it a foundational need for building a championship-caliber defense. With Harmon, the Steelers believe they’ve found a player who can be a core contributor for years to come.
The Quarterback Elephant in the Room
Despite the praise for Harmon, the decision to pass on Shedeur Sanders has left many fans and analysts scratching their heads. Sanders, the son of NFL legend and Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, entered the draft with considerable hype. Although his slide out of the first round was unexpected, his ceiling remains high.
Meanwhile, the Steelers currently head into the 2025 season with Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson atop their quarterback depth chart — a duo that hardly inspires long-term confidence. Neither quarterback is considered a franchise solution, and their presence suggests that Pittsburgh still lacks a definitive answer at the position.
As such, critics argue that the Steelers had a golden opportunity to address their quarterback future with a high-upside prospect like Sanders and instead chose to play it safe by reinforcing the defense.
Tomlin didn’t directly address Sanders in his post-draft comments, but his remarks make it clear that the organization prioritized scheme fit, character, and positional need over the glitz of a high-profile quarterback pick.
A Heavy Moment for Harmon
Tragically, news broke shortly after the draft that Derrick Harmon’s mother passed away, just hours after her son was selected in the first round. The Steelers organization issued a heartfelt statement expressing condolences and support for Harmon and his family during this difficult time.
While the moment was undoubtedly bittersweet for Harmon, it also provided a powerful emotional backdrop to his entry into the NFL — further endearing him to a Steelers fan base that values grit, resilience, and family.
Looking Ahead
So what’s next for the Steelers?
There’s a chance they still make a move to add another quarterback — perhaps a mid-round rookie or a veteran free agent to create competition in camp. But at the moment, it seems they are committed to riding out the near term with Rudolph and Thompson while reinforcing their defense in a post-Cam Heyward era.
As for Harmon, he steps into a defensive culture steeped in tradition and excellence. With the mentorship of Heyward and the guidance of a veteran coaching staff, he’ll have every opportunity to grow into the disruptive, dominant presence Pittsburgh envisions him becoming.
While questions remain at quarterback, the Steelers have made it clear that building from the trenches remains a core part of their philosophy. Whether or not that gamble pays off — and whether passing on Shedeur Sanders becomes a regret — only time will tell.
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