Inside Day 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft: Insights from Labriola

The NFL draft is always full of surprises, and this year was no exception. The Pittsburgh Steelers’ General Manager, Omar Khan, made it clear during a recent press conference that they were not eager to trade away their 21st overall pick.

Khan emphasized the importance of keeping players who can make a significant impact on the team. “The key is you never want to trade away from a really good player who can help you,” he said, hinting at specific players the team highly values.

One player that stood out to them was Derrick Harmon, a defensive tackle from Oregon. In fact, he was so well-regarded that cheers erupted in the Steelers’ draft room before a pick was even announced by another team. “This is one of those players for us,” Khan stated, highlighting how the team had been proactive, discussing potential trades but ultimately deciding that Harmon was too valuable to let go.

The 2024 draft was notable for its unusual flow. Typically, quarterbacks dominate the early rounds, and this year was no different. Out of the 26 drafts conducted since 2000, quarterbacks have taken the first overall pick 19 times. This year, Tennessee chose Cam Ward as the number one pick. However, after that, teams shifted their focus away from quarterbacks, allowing players like Harmon to slide down the draft board.

Interestingly, this year’s draft marked the fourth instance since 1936 that the top three picks were all quarterbacks, yet following those choices, teams seemingly passed on the position. Instead, the focus turned to defensive talents. For instance, picks included players like Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant from Michigan and Mykel Williams from Georgia.

As the draft unfolded, the Steelers found themselves in a favorable position to grab Harmon, who was a standout player with impressive statistics from his college career. Standing at 6’5" and weighing 310 pounds, he notched 105 tackles for loss and a significant run-defense grade during his time with Oregon.

Steelers’ Coach Mike Tomlin stressed the urgent need for fresh talent in the defensive line, especially since veteran player Cam Heyward is nearing the end of his career. “You don’t have a chance to field a quality defense unless you’re stout up front,” Tomlin remarked.

Harmon himself expressed excitement about learning from Heyward. “I will be able to pick Cam’s brain, be under his wing,” he noted, looking forward to the guidance he could receive from the seasoned player.

While this moment was thrilling for Harmon, it was also emotionally complex. His mother, Tiffany Saine, was in the hospital at the time. “It was a bit bittersweet; my mom wasn’t with me,” Harmon shared, highlighting the support system that helped him reach this dream, including his mother’s resilience throughout difficult times.

Harmon’s journey reflects a deep and personal connection to the sport and a commitment to honoring his family’s sacrifices. “After I get off the phone with you guys, I’m heading straight to the hospital to tell her that her son got drafted.”

As the NFL continues to evolve, the stories behind the players add emotional depth to the world of sports, drawing us in beyond the statistics and gameplay. For fans, knowing about these journeys can make the draft much more than just a selection process; it becomes a celebration of dedication and family support.

For more insights on the NFL draft and player statistics, you can visit ESPN or NFL.com.

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