The San Francisco 49ers need to rebuild their defensive line this offseason – a task they’ve been dealing with since trading defensive tackle DeForest Buckner in 2020.
They’ve had varying degrees of success in piecing together an effective group, but they’ve never been able to directly replace Buckner. Things got even more difficult in 2024 when they released veteran DT Arik Armstead.
A mock draft from Pro Football Network has the 49ers trying to find some defensive tackle help by going back to the well where they found Buckner and Armstead – the University of Oregon.
With the 11th overall pick, PFN sends Oregon DT Derrick Harmon to the 49ers where he could step in as a starter on Day 1.
Via PFN:
The comparisons to make between Harmon and former 49ers first-round pick DeForest Buckner are easy. Both are lengthy, athletic Oregon defensive tackles with quick hands and tremendous pass-rushing value along the interior. Though Buckner graded out slightly higher against the run for me coming out than Harmon does, it’s not inconceivable to think the latter can’t also reach Pro Bowl status at some point in his career.
Harmon spent his first three seasons at Michigan State before transferring to Oregon for his senior season.
The 6-5, 310 pound DT posted 55 pressures and five sacks during his final college season and received a very strong 79.4 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus. He actually graded out better against the run (81.1) as a junior at Michigan State.
While the 49ers certainly need run stoppers along the interior, finding a player to consistently push the pocket from the inside is imperative if they’re taking a defensive tackle this early.
If Harmon can step in and be as effective as Buckner or Armstead were at their best, it’s easy to see why he’d be an enticing choice for the 49ers with the 11th pick.