In a day and age where defensive tackle is arguably the most important position on defense, having a speedy interior defender could make all the difference for any team.
Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon ran a 4.97 40-yard dash today at the NFL Combine, which could be all he needs to prove that he is worth a first-round pick.
Is Derrick Harmon Worth a First-Round Pick?
An All-Big Ten performer last season in Eugene, Harmon proved that he was one of the nation’s best overall defenders.
At 6’5″ and 310 pounds, his ability to run 40 yards in under five seconds is remarkable. There is a reason he recorded 45 total tackles and five sacks from the interior of Dan Lanning’s defensive line.
As he continues to show out at the NFL Combine, coaches and executives can see that he is worthy of being drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft. He is a rare kind of player who can affect the game from multiple angles along the trenches.
Derrick Harmon with his second sub-5 second run at 313 pounds 😳
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There are a few teams in the first round of the draft that could use some more help in the middle of their defensive line.
The New England Patriots, with Mike Vrabel taking over as head coach, could look to add some juice to their defensive line. After all, defense has been the backbone of that organization for a long, long time.
The Los Angeles Chargers could lose both Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack on the edge to free agency this year. If they do, they will need to add more players who can create trouble for opposing quarterbacks.
The Houston Texans are another team that loves to address defensive needs when they have them. With multiple free agents on the defensive line this offseason, Head Coach DeMeco Ryans may want to add some more help to soften the blow of losing key veterans.
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Of course, the Chicago Bears may want to add some more players who can create pressure in new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s scheme.
With Harmon’s abilities, he could go to any of these organizations.
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