Defensive tackle Derrick Harmon called Thursday night "bittersweet" as his mother was unable to be by his side when the Pittsburgh Steelers picked him 21st overall in the 2025 NFL draft. The former Oregon player told reporters Thursday night that his mom was on life support and that he intended to go to the hospital to inform her he was drafted.

The Steelers needed to address their defensive line after the unit gave up 299 yards during January's wild-card playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Pittsburgh did not address its defensive line during free agency, which was a sign that it would be a priority during the draft.