2025 NFL Free Agency and Draft: DT

StickierBuns wrote:

I think he's a nose as well, but you can find guys like this all over the place. Situational player. I'd rather take a similar type in round 6 or 7....even UDFA.

West and Phillips are well worth the pick where they will get drafted. Both really good players.

MaroonBells wrote:

LOVE Pegues as a 5th round nose. Guy was a tight end his freshman season at Aubrurn. That's how athletic he is. Put him at FB in front of Mason behind Kelly and Fries, red zone problems over.

Naw, put Mason at FB, lol.

Report: Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon is on 'priority list' for Vikings

As we inch closer to this year's NFL draft, the rumors are only getting stronger and the Vikings seem to have interest in Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon. The Minnesota Star Tribune's Ben Goessling is hearing that Harmon is a prospect on the Vikings' "priority list."

On the latest episode of the Access Vikings podcast, Goessling was joined by Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker to discuss Minnesota's offseason and potential draft plans, and Harmon's name was a point of discussion.

"I heard that again this week," Goessling said when discussing Harmon as a player on Minnesota's "priority list."

Listed at 6-foot-5, 311 pounds, Harmon among the best defensive tackle prospects in this year's draft. He's ranked 28th overall and the fourth best at his position, according to ESPN's projections. The Vikings added veterans Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave in free agency, but it sounds like they could look at continuing to add to the position through the draft.

"I wouldn't be surprised to see them add another defensive tackle. There's a lot of depth, there's a lot of variety in this group, but you have Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen both in their 30s," Goessling said. "Jonathan Allen coming off the pec injury, Hargrave I think was a tricep, and Allen also had a left knee in the past that I would keep an eye on as well, so you're not talking about these guys being five-year solutions."

Last season was Harmon's first and only with Oregon after three years at Michigan State. He recorded 45 tackles (11 TFL), 5 sacks, 4 passes defended and 2 forced fumbles, but more impressive was his 55 quarterback pressures, which led the nation for interior defensive linemen in 2024.

He compiled 116 tackles, 8.5 sacks and 3 forced fumbles throughout his college career and he will turn 22 in October.

The Vikings hold the 24th selection in this year's draft and that is the range Harmon is currently projected to go. The recent success of the Eagles and 49ers has shown us that you can never have too much depth on the defensive line and Harmon would add to a loaded group for Minnesota.

https://www.si.com/nfl/vikings/news/report-oregon-defensive-tackle-derrick-harmon-on-priority-list-for-vikings

We take a strength and amplify it.

Darius Alexander (#9) was really getting after the interior OL from Mississippi State pic.twitter.com/semfYrfHwj

— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) March 24, 2025

StickierBuns wrote:

I think he's a nose as well, but you can find guys like this all over the place. Situational player. I'd rather take a similar type in round 6 or 7....even UDFA.

West made Indiana a defense that was difficult to run on. He is great at his position; a position we need with Allen and Hargrave who are not great vs the run. However, I don't see West lasting into the 4th round. I see him as early to mid-3rd. Instead, look at Caldwell and Pegues a little later in the draft

I think the Vikings would love to draft a DT who has the 3-down ability to rotate in and have an impact as a 5T right away, but also the size and girth to play nose for when Harrison Phillips gets hurt or moves on. The player that fits that mold perfectly in my mind is Derrick Harmon and there really aren't many others. Pegues maybe.

MaroonBells wrote:
I think the Vikings would love to draft a DT who has the 3-down ability to rotate in and have an impact as a 5T right away, but also the size and girth to play nose for when Harrison Phillips gets hurt or moves on. The player that fits that mold perfectly in my mind is Derrick Harmon and there really aren't many others. Pegues maybe.

You don't like Grant in that role? I think he's more than just a nose and is athletic enough to play up and down the line, especially in a 3-4

supafreak84 wrote:

You don't like Grant in that role? I think he's more than just a nose and is athletic enough to play up and down the line, especially in a 3-4

I think he's far too big and offers too little in the way of a pass rush to ever play 5T. I've always felt Grant was more of a two-down nose in the mold of Jordan Davis or Mazi Smith, both of whom have been mild busts. Can he be a 3-down fatty like Vita Vea or Dexter Lawrence? Maybe, but it seems unlikely. 

I will say, though, that the odds of the Vikings taking a nose-only went up after free agency. Before free agency, I would've hated a Grant pick. Now, I can at least see it.

MaroonBells wrote:

I think he's far too big and offers too little in the way of a pass rush to ever play 5T. I've always felt Grant was more of a two-down nose in the mold of Jordan Davis or Mazi Smith, both of whom have been mild busts. Can he be a 3-down fatty like Vita Vea or Dexter Lawrence? Maybe, but it seems unlikely. 

I will say, though, that the odds of the Vikings taking a nose-only went up after free agency. Before free agency, I would've hated a Grant pick. Now, I can at least see it.

You might be right but I think he's a better player than Jordan Davis or Smith. I'd be pretty happy landing any of those three tackles (Grant, Nolen, Harmon) who might be in play at our pick

Simeon Barrow Jr.’s 32 reps on the bench press this afternoon would have tied for FIRST among all defensive linemen in this upcoming draft.

Yet, for some odd and inexplicable reason, he wasn’t even invited to the 2025 NFL Combine. 🤷🏼‍♂️pic.twitter.com/2djSzYN9On

— Geo Milian (@GeoMilian) March 24, 2025

Boston College DT Cam Horsley (6027, 312) helped himself at yesterday's pro day. One of my favorite day 3 DL prospects this year.

40/10: 5.04/1.73
3C: 7.67
SS: 4.74 pic.twitter.com/m3m58RwVXv

— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) March 25, 2025

What is the word on Omarr Norman-Lott. His knee was flagged and could be an on going issue?

Hate to see this.

Ohio State DT Tyleik Williams is probably Top 100 or so pick, was an ultra-productive college player. Doesn't look great. Hope he's alright. https://t.co/cyDgufv4Wq

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 26, 2025

Big Man Travis Hunter?😂

JJ Pegues is the two-way player no one is talking about pic.twitter.com/oOdVSOmNaW

— PFF College (@PFF_College) March 26, 2025

We need a third JJ. NEED.

Oh my...LOL

My grown adult son Desmond just measured in at 6’6” 464lbs at the Florida Pro Day pic.twitter.com/dhoc1p6KqP

— Greg Cover 1 🏈 (@GregTompsett) March 27, 2025

MaroonBells wrote:
Oh my...LOL

My grown adult son Desmond just measured in at 6’6” 464lbs at the Florida Pro Day pic.twitter.com/dhoc1p6KqP

— Greg Cover 1 🏈 (@GregTompsett) March 27, 2025

He can simultaneously play the A and B gap.

Desmond Watson with a 5.93 40-yard dash time pic.twitter.com/yPkrGFG6rC

— Alyssa Britton-Harr (@abrittonharr) March 27, 2025

He’s moving. But, he won’t see 40 if he doesn’t shed 150 lbs.

DAWG: Florida defensive tackle Desmond Watson recorded 36 bench press reps at his Pro Day, which would have been the most at the #NFL Combine by 3 reps.

Watson is 6-foot-6 and weighs 464 POUNDS.

He will be the heaviest player in NFL history.

🤯🤯🤯
pic.twitter.com/u9gA8v9R40

— MLFootball (@MLFootball) March 28, 2025