You didn't think we would get all the way through the NFL Draft without a nepotism pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers, did you? It's no secret that Mike Tomlin values family bloodlines, and after passing on Shedeur Sanders three times, they needed a fallback plan.
After trading back a handful of spots from their original fifth-round selection, Pittsburgh picked up an additional seventh-round pick—bringing their total number of selections to seven in the NFL Draft. With the 226th overall pick in the seventh round, the Steelers selected Washington linebacker Carson Bruener.
If the name sounds familiar, it's because Bruener is the son of former Steelers tight end and current scout, Mark Bruener. Because of his obvious ties to the organization, we've mocked Bruener to Pittsburgh late in the draft often.
But let's give credit where credit is due. Bruener is a solid football player, and this pick fits a subtle need late in the draft.
The Pittsburgh Steelers found their next special teams star in Carson Bruener
After the departure of veteran linebacker Tyler Matakevich this offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers needed to add a player at the position who could fill this role. Bruener is just the guy to do so.
At 6'1 1/4'' and 227 pounds, Bruener has only average size at the linebacker position, but he makes up for his lack of elite size and physical traits with a tenacious play style and some of the hardest hits you will see.
Bruener profiles as a depth option at the linebacker position who could see the field in a pinch. During his four-year career at Washington, Bruener compiled 305 tackles, 12 tackles for a loss, and five interceptions. Bruener's best season came as a senior in 2024 when he raked in 104 total tackles and earned three interceptions.
Despite his productive season, Bruener projects as an end-of-the-roster depth piece and core special teams player at the next level. But in this role, he could be exactly what the Pittsburgh Steelers are looking for. Nepotism or not, this Bruener has a clear path to the roster and could be a future special teams stud in the NFL.