With the 2025 NFL Draft finished, the Pittsburgh Steelers can focus on free agency and the preseason process. They have signed some undrafted rookies, but could consider adding other players between now and training camp. Those undrafted free agents who still need a home could get an invitation to join the Steelers at rookie minicamp
Pittsburgh proved they love football bloodlines by selecting Carson Bruener in the seventh round. Bruener is the son of long-time Steelers tight end and scout Mark Bruener. Their love of football bloodlines is blinding. Other family connections could hit the roster at the rookie minicamp.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin could call in a few favors to make his family's dreams become reality.
Pittsburgh Steelers' Mike Tomlin could show nepotism by bringing in these familiar faces
Dino Tomlin, WR, Boston College
It might be time to make Tomlin challenge Deion Sanders for the massive sign of nepotism as a head coach. Sanders saw both his sons struggle in the NFL Draft, but they did find teams. Tomlin's son, Dino Tomlin, failed to find a place to call home. Dino was a lackluster player in college, and it appears his football days are over.
The Steeler's long-time head coach could take matters into his own hands.
Rumors started to swirl following the draft that Dino would join the Steelers as an undrafted free agent. Many local beat reporters quickly silenced those thoughts. He struggled in college after producing 552 receiving yards and zero touchdowns across five years of college football. Tomlin's son doesn't deserve an invite to Pittsburgh's minicamp, but he could still receive one.
Sources tell Ashley Liotus of WTAE Sports that Tomlin will participate in rookie minicamp with the Buccaneers, but that may not stop him from making his way onto the Steelers' training camp roster.
READ MORE: Steelers forced to face painful 2025 Draft truth nobody wanted to admit
Eddie Faulkner IV, DB, Slippery Rock
We go from one Steelers coach to another. Eddie Faulkner has been with the Steelers since 2019. He has done well since assuming his role and remains one of Tomlin's most loyal soldiers. His son, Eddie Faulkner IV, was passed up in the NFL Draft. No one held realistic expectations that he would be drafted out of a small Division II program like Slippery Rock.
The star defensive back at Slippery Rock had a terrific career. He accounted for 96 combined tackles, five interceptions, 17 pass deflections, seven forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and seven sacks. Faulkner barely stands at 5'8, but he plays with heart.
He compares himself to Mike Hilton, and his experience in the slot would make him a better option than Tomlin just bringing his son on board out of pity.