Buffalo Bills' 2025 NFL Draft target will flash insane pass rush ability at the Scouting Combine, and Brandon Beane should pay attention
It isn't common when you get a defensive tackle that is a genuine weapon in the pass rush, but there's one in particular in this year's draft class that Brandon Beane and the Bills will likely be keeping a very close eye on throughout the NFL Scouting Combine and up until the 2025 NFL Draft.Derrick […]
It isn't common when you get a defensive tackle that is a genuine weapon in the pass rush, but there's one in particular in this year's draft class that Brandon Beane and the Bills will likely be keeping a very close eye on throughout the NFL Scouting Combine and up until the 2025 NFL Draft.
Derrick Harmon, the defensive tackle out of Oregon, led the Ducks in pressures this season by more than 20.
Just sit with that stat and let it marinate for a minute.
With the Bills' obvious needs along the defensive line, Harmon is a name to have circled in ink heading into the Combine.
Harmon led all defensive tackles in pressures, and did so while playing in the Big Ten. After transferring from Michigan State to Oregon, Harmon slimmed down by about 30 pounds, which gave him the burst and athleticism to take his game to a new level.
It's noted often that he needs to do better at playing under control and finishing plays, but a lot of that can likely be attributed to the fact that his body is now moving faster than ever before. Harmon is still learning how to harness his newfound athleticism.
For a Bills team that needs disruptors in a massive way, Harmon offers exactly that. Havoc rate is a stat that encompasses when defensive players do pretty much anything to disrupt the play of the offense — pressures, sacks, batted passes, etc. For defensive tackles, an average havoc rate is around 5%.
Harmon's this season was 12.01%.
Most of his playing time has been as a three tech, but his with size and athleticism, he has versatility to contribute in a variety of ways across the defensive line. Pair him up with Ed Oliver and Greg Rousseau in a Sean McDermott defense, and you'll be onto something. Harmon is getting plenty of love, and the Bills brass will likely feel the same.
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