BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Any NFL team looking for an impact player along the defensive line will have Oregon’s Derrick Harmon high on their draft wish list. Harmon played three seasons at Michigan State, but transferred to Eugene last year and really took off.
Harmon made 13 starts for the ducks, racked up 10 1/2 tackles for loss with five sacks. WIVB News 4 asked the second team All-American to describe the way he plays.
“With a little bit of grit. I’ve got a dog in me,” Harmon said at the draft combine.
Fellow draft prospect Jordan Burch played next Harmon on the Ducks defensive line.
“I see a dog. Like whatever you see on Saturday, you’ll see all throughout the week. So, he’s just, you know, relentless at practice, the mindset he has, and he can do it all. So he’s a great pass rusher, great run stopper.”
Harmon is one of the top defensive tackles in the year’s draft class with the ability to take on double teams, making an impact in the run and pass defense. He spoke about the player he studies the most.
“I watched Chris Jones. How he grabs the wrist, grabs elbow, so quick,” he said. “That comes natural to me just like it comes natural to him.”
Harmon is a player who is expected to make an impact as a rookie and that’s why his name will get called early in the draft. He is projected to be a late first round or early second round pick.
Josh Reed is an award-winning journalist who has served as News 4’s Sports Director since 2015. See more here.