The Minnesota Vikings are ramping up their preparations for the 2025 NFL Draft, which is just a month away, with their latest effort being the organization of ‘Top 30’ prospect visits, set to take place in early April. These visits, held at the Vikings’ Eagan facility, allow the team to get an in-depth look at prospects, offering a more thorough evaluation than earlier events in the year.
While a ‘Top 30’ visit doesn’t always lead to the player being drafted by the Vikings, it signals heightened interest or unresolved questions from the team’s scouting department.
Last year, the Vikings met with a number of prospects including J.J. McCarthy, Dallas Turner, Taki Taimani, and Gabriel Murphy. All four ended up being either drafted or signed by the team.
One of the notable players the Vikings will host at TCO Performance Center is potential first-round pick, defensive tackle Derrick Harmon from Oregon. Harmon is the only first-round prospect the Vikings have scheduled a ‘Top 30’ visit with so far. Despite already adding veterans Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave in free agency, both of whom are over 30 and coming off injuries, the Vikings are looking to add a young defensive tackle to solidify the future of their defensive line. Last season, the Vikings brought in Taki Taimani, another defensive tackle from Oregon, as an undrafted free agent.
Harmon began his career at Michigan State before transferring to Oregon for his senior year. He posted an impressive stat line in 2023 with 45 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss (including 5 sacks), 4 batted passes, and 2 forced fumbles. At 6’4 ½” and 313 pounds, Harmon combines size, strength, and athleticism that make him a potential force inside. He models his game after Chiefs’ All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones.
Derrick Harmon
Known for his quickness, Harmon excels with his explosive first step and ability to engage blockers with swift hands. His high-waisted build can be a limitation in certain stances, but he uses his long arms and upper-tier hand speed to disrupt the pocket. Harmon’s ability to communicate pre-snap and his competitive drive have contributed to his success. Last season, he was the 10th highest-graded defensive tackle in the 2025 draft class and led all defensive tackles in quarterback pressures with 55.
NFL.com ranks Harmon as the 28th-best prospect in the draft, highlighting his versatility to play in different defensive front schemes, and his exceptional blend of size, length, and strength. While he’s not expected to be a primary sack threat, he brings toughness and can contribute to a swarm of defenders applying pressure in the pocket.
However, Harmon does have areas to improve. His top-heavy frame can create issues with agility, and his footwork can sometimes become static, which limits his ability to finish plays consistently. Despite these weaknesses, Harmon’s disruptive ability makes him an intriguing prospect.
With his combination of size, quickness, and disruptive skills, Harmon is a player to watch in the 2025 NFL Draft, and his ‘Top 30’ visit with the Vikings suggests he could be a target to strengthen their defensive line for years to come.
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