The Pittsburgh Steelers had a slew of draft picks to work with in 2026. While they only ended up making 10 picks due to trades, it was a larger class than what the team had been accustomed to.
Of the picks, one name constantly feels overlooked in Gabriel Rubio.
Drafted in the sixth round, it was a minor shock that the team opted to bring in the former Notre Dame defensive lineman. For the most part, he was a relative unknown and wasn’t expected to get drafted over the weekend.
This led to a lot of snap reactions failing the pick. Likewise, he is an easy rookie to discard from the roster when making projections for who makes the team at the end of Summer.
While the value, even for a sixth-round pick, seemed questionable, Rubio has some plus traits that aren’t being talked about. He could sneakily become a core rotational member for this team.
The Pittsburgh Steelers may already have a gem in Gabriel Rubio
Looking past the value question, Rubio certainly fits the mold of the Steelers defensive line. Big and long, he profiles as a classic 3-4 defensive end. This team loves to draft players who have the size they want along the line.
The tape is even better. Rubio was one of the best run defenders when on the field. He can take on blocks, shed, and power his way through rushing lanes. His tape is immensely impressive for a college player.
The issue is two-fold. For one, he has no semblance of a pass-rush plan. If he makes the roster for an extended period of time, I wouldn’t expect any notable sack numbers. For a sixth-round pick, that isn’t a huge deal.
The main issue was health. Despite playing five years in school, he only appeared in 39 games. His health has always been an issue, and if he continues to struggle with injuries, this becomes a different conversation.
Assuming the injury bug passes, the Steelers could have a rookie worth talking about in Rubio. He could even earn a role as a run-down defender due to his strength against the running game.
While the Rubio pick was widely panned by the fanbase, a quick dive into the player reveals something else. Assuming health isn’t an issue like it was in school, Rubio could prove to be a gem in his first year as a rotational defender.
Add us as a preferred source on Google