Maybe the rich need to get a bit richer.

According to The Draft Network’s Ryan Fowler, the Vikings plan to meet with a top defensive tackle prospect: “The Minnesota Vikings are expected to host Oregon DL Derrick Harmon for a 30 visit, per a league source. Harmon ranked first in CFB among iDL in pressures this fall (55) with 43 hurries and five sacks. Side note: Vikings DL coach Marcus Dixon was in attendance at Oregon’s pro day on Tuesday.”

Vikings Plan to Meet with Derrick Harmon

Lots of the attention has been on Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave.

The veteran defensive tackles have well-earned reputations for being able to get after the quarterback. Lately, Minnesota hasn’t done very well at picking up pass rushers at defensive tackle, so the willingness to sink major money into a pair of options during free agency is bold and exciting.

Combined with Harrison Phillips, Allen and Hargrave form a well-respected veteran trio of defensive tackles who will demand a lot of snaps within Brian Flores’ defense.

The appeal of adding a young defensive tackle, though, is still strong. After all, there’s no such thing as too many capable linemen.

Derrick Harmon stands at 6’5″ and weighs 330 pounds (more on the weight later). Oh, and he ran a 4.95 forty, an excellent time for someone his size. His lone season with Oregon arrived in 2024, picking up 45 tackles, 5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, 4 passes defended, and 2 forced fumbles.

Consider the scouting report from the NFL website: “Position-versatile building block that makes moving the football a much tougher task. Harmon is wide, long and naturally powerful at the point of attack. He can create traffic jams inside as a two-gapper or stunt and power his way into the backfield. He’s unlikely to be a primary sack man, but he can be part of a swarm unit that batters the pocket. He’s high-cut and tight-hipped, which limits his agility and reactive athleticism to finish. Harmon can play up and down the line in both odd and even fronts. He will bring an instant dose of stinginess and toughness to any defense he joins.”

And the word from PFF: “Harmon has just one year of notable production, but that season showcased a player with a high football IQ, consistent competitiveness and NFL-level quickness. He can be an effective 3-technique defensive lineman for an even front.” He comes in at 22nd on their board and earned an excellent 83.9 grade for his work in 2024. Something to note, as well, is that PFF lists Harmon at 310 while the NFL site puts him at 313.

Truth be told, there are numerous directions that Minnesota could venture in with that No. 24 pick. In fact, they might not even make that pick, instead opting to trade down in an effort to snag another selection or two.

Derrick Harmon, though, is certainly a fascinating prospect, someone who could slide in behind the veterans to develop his game in a smaller role. In time, Harmon would be expected to turn into an every-down difference maker.

Editor’s Note: Information from Sports Reference CFB and PFF helped with this piece.

K. Joudry is the Senior Editor for Vikings Territory and PurplePTSD. He has been covering the Vikings full time since the summer of 2021. He can be found on social media (Bluesky & Twitter). If you feel so inclined, subscribe to his Substack, The Vikings Gazette, for more great Vikings content.