Oregon DT Derrick Harmon could be the perfect defensive linemen to fix the Vikings' interior issues
Welcome to SKOL Search 2025! This is the fifth year I have done SKOL Search with the sole mission being to find NFL Draft prospects for the Minnesota Vikings. Throughout the entire process, this will be the most comprehensive draft guide with a focus on the Vikings. Each year, I scout incoming draft prospects from […]
Welcome to SKOL Search 2025!
This is the fifth year I have done SKOL Search with the sole mission being to find NFL Draft prospects for the Minnesota Vikings. Throughout the entire process, this will be the most comprehensive draft guide with a focus on the Vikings.
Each year, I scout incoming draft prospects from a neutral perspective and try to see how they could fit with Minnesota. This will be general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's fourth NFL Draft and we have a good sense of what he likes in a prospect.
Going into the offseason, the Vikings have just three official selections with a fourth likely coming with a compensatory selection in the third round. However they choose to use them, they need to make the most out of their limited resources.
Derrick Harmon
- Oregon
- Transfer from Michigan State
- Height: 6050
- Weight: 310
- Class: Fourth-year Junior
- Recruiting info: 3-star recruit in 2022 class per 247 Sports
- Stats: 116 tackles (51 solo), 18.0 TFLs, 8.5 sacks, 6 passes defended, 3 fumble recoveries, 3 forced fumbles
- Games watched: Boise State 2024, Ohio State 2024, Penn State 2024
Strengths
- Hands: Harmon has a lot of talent across the board, but a lot of his ability is in his hands. He packs a powerful, efficient punch when engaging with offensive linemen.
- Quick Twitch: Harmon is excellent in getting penetration in the backfield. He gets off the ball quickly and can penetrate the A gap with consistentcy.
- Pass Rush Plan: He understands how to attack offensive linemen. Harmon can will with multiple moves and win quickly on the interior.
- Versatility: While Harmon is at his best at 3T, he can play up and down the line in an even or odd front.
Weaknesses
- Finishing: Harmon is a quick penetrator on the interior but gets a little over-aggressive/extended. He gets himself in poor position to finish the ball carrier and it prevents him from getting the big play in the backfield.
- Consistency: Harmon has a lot of positive tools, but gets in his own way. Poor footwork and a tight lower half hinder him from being consistent from play to play.
- Frame: Harmon has good size and length, but his weight isn't all good. He carries some bad weight in his upper half.
Overview
| Trait | Grade |
|---|---|
Quickness/Penetration | 18.4/20 |
Power | 8.7/10 |
Pass Rush Moves | 8.7/10 |
Counters | 7.7/10 |
Leverage | 8.1/10 |
Tackling | 7.0/10 |
Size/Length | 8.8/10 |
Run Defense | 8.3/10 |
Awareness | 8.5/10 |
Grade | 84.2 Second Round Grade |
Harmon is a talented, versatile player who can do a little bit of everything for you. There are some issues to work through, including getting into a little bit better shape. However, the versatility would be a massive factor in the Vikings being interested.
They need an interior pass rusher, and Harmon's ability to play all across the line would maximize Brian Flores's use of his defensive line.
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