Category: American Style Football

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, Oregon's Derrick Harmon is emerging as a standout prospect on the defensive line. Harmon is drawing significant attention for his versatility, skills and ability to impact the run and passing game.

Yahoo Sports' Nate Tice ranked him 15th on his big board entering April and Charles McDonald put him 21st on his board. 

Harmon is heralded for his adeptness at playing across the defensive line. Tice appreciates Harmon's ability to line up as a true three-technique defensive tackle, meaning he typically lines up on the outside shoulder of the guard, positioning himself perfectly to disrupt runs and passes.

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Harmon's game film illustrates his proficiency not merely in racking up big plays but also in doing the important in-between work. He's noted for keeping his feet moving, maintaining his gaps and contributing significantly during twists and games, a tactic involving defensive linemen exchanging roles to confuse the offensive line.

One of the more fascinating comparisons for Harmon is to former NFL star Akeem Hicks. Like Hicks, Harmon is expected to contribute effectively against both the pass and run, potentially proving to be a valuable asset to any defensive scheme. This versatility allows him to fit into gap-shooting defenses, where the objective is to penetrate and disrupt the backfield, as well as two-gap systems, where retaining a position and controlling the blocker are key.

The enthusiasm surrounding Harmon is largely due to his balanced skill set, suggesting a high floor with plenty of ceiling yet to be realized. Harmon's robust performance numbers were highlighted in the "Football 301 Podcast" episode that broke down the top defensive linemen in this upcoming draft. 

Whether dominating at the line of scrimmage or making critical stops behind it, Harmon is poised to be a significant asset in this year's defensive line class. 

To hear more NFL discussions, tune into "Football 301" on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.

(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)

Michigan's Mason Graham stands out as a top-tier defensive tackle prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft with incredible potential thanks to his explosive playmaking and versatility. However, injury concerns, length issues, and questions about consistency and sack production make him a prospect that NFL teams will have to evaluate carefully to ensure his college dominance can translate to the professional field.

Yahoo Sports' Nate Tice and Charles McDonald dove into the pros and cons of Graham's game. Here's what they found:  

Why Graham is high in class of defensive linemen

Explosive playmaker: Graham has earned the nickname "the human hand grenade" due to his ability to detonate plays upon impact. His explosive athleticism and knock-back power are impressive attributes that set him apart from his peers.

Versatility: Graham can play as a three-technique in normal downs and shift inside to a one-technique on pass rush downs. This flexibility makes him a valuable asset for NFL teams looking for a dynamic presence.

Big play generator: Beyond being just a big body on the line, Graham is known for generating significant plays in the pass rush and run defense. His ability to contribute meaningfully across the board bolsters his stock as a top prospect.

High potential for dominance: His 2023 game tape shows stretches of outright dominance, indicating that when healthy and in form, Graham can take over games. His quickness, strength and ability to penetrate the line make him a threat to offenses.

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Yellow and red flags on Graham 

Injury concerns: While Graham's 2023 season showcased his potential dominance, there was a notable drop-off in his 2024 season, partly due to injuries. This raises concerns about his durability and ability to sustain high performance over a full NFL season.

Lack of length: One of the main blemishes in Graham's profile is his 32-inch arm length which, although not a deal-breaker, might limit his effectiveness against longer-armed offensive linemen in the NFL. This could impact his ability to consistently create separation and execute certain pass rush moves.

Consistency: While most reports laud his potential, there's acknowledgement that Graham didn't consistently dominate in 2024. His performance fluctuated, posing questions about his ability to maintain a high level of play week-in and week-out in the NFL.

Projection as a sack artist: There is some uncertainty about whether Graham can be a guaranteed double-digit sack player, which is often a benchmark for elite defensive tackles. Although he has moments of brilliance, questions about his ultimate ceiling in terms of sack production remain.

To hear more NFL discussions, tune into "Football 301" on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.

(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)

When considering which running back is the best fit for the Dallas Cowboys, it's essential to align the player's skills with the team's existing offensive scheme. Based on the insights from the latest episode of the "Yahoo Fantasy Football Forecast" with Matt Harmon and Charles McDonald, there are a few standout candidates from the current draft class who could fit well with Dallas's offense.

The Cowboys have traditionally leaned on a versatile run game, capable of executing both zone and gap-scheme runs effectively. This presents an opportunity for a running back who can handle various types of rushing plays, contribute as a pass catcher, and offer a decent level of speed and agility to break plays in the open field.

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Two running backs mentioned in the podcast that stand out as potential fits for the Cowboys are:

TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State

According to Harmon, TreVeyon Henderson is likened to Aaron Jones in terms of playing style, who has been proficient in zone run schemes. Since Dallas sixth in percentage of zone runs, Henderson's ability to stretch plays to the outside and make gains past the initial defensive line could be crucial. His ability as a pass catcher also presents additional benefits, making him a dual-threat out of the backfield.

Kaleb Johnson, Iowa

Harmon and McDonald spoke well of Johnson's prowess in executing outside zone plays, which are a part of Dallas’ game plan. With his smooth running style and good vision, Johnson could be an option that maintains the balance of Dallas's traditional ground game while offering relief options in the pass game.

Both of these potential draftees could thrive in the Cowboys' offensive system, whether they're running the ball or catching passes in a quick-hitting, high-paced offense. Each provides unique attributes that align with the Cowboys’ needs, making them solid candidates to consider come draft day.