The Steelers had the chance to pick a quarterback in the first round of the NFL Draft last night, but as expected, they went defense, choosing Oregon defensive lineman Derrick Harmon, a 6-foot-41⁄2, 313-pound run-stopper who becomes their first d-lineman taken in the first round since Cam Heyward back in 2011. Now he will join Heyward up front.
General manager Omar Khan says there was no doubt who the Steelers would take when their pick came up, even with Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders still on the board.
Audio PlayerLast year, the Steelers bolstered the offensive line in the draft. This year, they went for help on the defensive line. Khan says he loves drafting big guys.
Audio PlayerCoach Mike Tomlin says Harmon is a perfect fit for the Steelers.
Audio PlayerTomlin says Heyward will be a key mentor for Harmon.
Audio PlayerThe coach says the Steelers had an obvious hole on the defensive front and teams exploited it last season.
Audio PlayerHarmon played three seasons at Michigan State before transferring to Oregon last year. He is due in Pittsburgh today but last night he was on his way to a Detroit hospital to visit his mother, who is on life support suffering from lingering effects of a stroke she had in his freshman season.
Unless they trade up, the Steelers do not have a second-round pick. They are next on the board at number 83 overall. Shedeur Sanders was not taken in the first round. The only quarterbacks selected were Miami’s Cam Ward, number one overall by Tennessee, and Jaxson Dart of Ole Miss, who was taken by the New York Giants at number 25.
The Jaguars traded up to the number two spot with the Browns to select Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter. The Giants took Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter at number three. Nittany Lions tight end Tyler Warren was taken 14th overall by the Colts.
Rounds two and three get underway at six o’clock tonight.
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