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Derrick Harmon cements first-round draft stock with standout NFL combine performance
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- Derrick Harmon cements first-round draft stock with standout NFL combine performance
The first group of former Oregon Ducks took the field in Indianapolis on Thursday afternoon for the 2025 NFL Combine, but one Duck stole the show.
Defensive lineman Derrick Harmon had a standout performance during the on-field drills. At 6 feet 4 inches and 313 pounds, Harmon turned a lot of heads with his 4.95-second run in the 40-yard dash, which was fourth among all defensive linemen to run. He also looked smooth and explosive during the wave drills and moved around the bags with impressive agility.
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After the performance, ESPN's Jordan Reid named Harmon one of the biggest winners of the day. Reid says that Harmon's ability to move despite his size sets him apart.
"Harmon was one of Thursday's biggest winners, as running a 4.95-second 40-yard dash at 6-foot-5, 322 pounds was impressive," Reid said. "He also dominated the workout portion, with his movement skills and fluidity during the wave drill standing out. This comes after Harmon had the best season of his career in 2024 following a transfer from Michigan State to Oregon. He showed a consistent ability to disrupt offenses by penetrating the first level.
Reid claims that the Ducks ' defensive lineman solidified his spot as a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
"Harmon must learn to play with more control, as he sometimes misses tackles and overruns plays because of his initial aggression. He came into the combine as a late first-round pick, but he could realistically be picked as high as the Bengals at No. 17 overall."
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Harmon will work out more at the Oregon Ducks pro day in mid-March, but he made a great first impression with NFL scouts this week, building on the elite play he put on tape in Eugene this past year. As we move closer to the draft in April, don't be surprised if we start seeing Harmon's name closer and closer to the top of the draft.
This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon Ducks Derrick Harmon cements first-round stock at NFL combine
