Buffalo, NY – 2025

After a crushing 16–30 loss to the Dolphins, the Bills’ defense has come under fire — and no one felt that sting more than veteran captain Josh Allen. Known for setting the tone with effort and leadership, Allen was back at the ADPRO Sports Training Center by 4 A.M. the next morning, determined to fix what went wrong.

But when he walked in, someone was already there.

“He looked like he never left after the loss,” Allen said quietly. “That’s when I knew this kid gets it. He’s built for Buffalo.”

That “kid” is Derrick Harmon, the Bills’ rookie defensive tackle out of Oregon — and the 24th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Through four games, Harmon has started every one, posting 14 tackles (8 solo), 2.5 sacks, 5 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble — numbers that already put him in early contention for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Harmon has flashed explosive power next to Ed Oliver and DaQuan Jones in the Bills’ front, filling the void left by Jordan Phillips’ offseason departure. His blend of speed, leverage, and awareness has made him an immediate impact player. In Week 1 against the Jets, he recorded a crucial pressure on Aaron Rodgers that sealed a narrow 34–32 win. By Week 3, he was dominating interior gaps, tallying a sack and four tackles against New England.

Even with the loss to Miami, Harmon’s intensity stood out. “Harmon has Bills DNA — toughness, fire, and relentless pursuit,” said head coach Sean McDermott, praising the rookie’s mindset after the defeat.

Fans on X have taken notice too, with one post from @BuffaloFanatics going viral: “He’s Ed Oliver 2.0. The future of the Bills’ D-line starts now.”

For a team searching for answers on defense, Derrick Harmon may already be the one providing them — not just through stats, but through pure heart and work ethic.

Because while the Bills’ veterans were still feeling the loss, their rookie stayed behind — ready to rebuild the standard, one rep at a time.