The pick is in.
The 2025 NFL Draft is Omar Khan’s third year as the Steelers’ general manager and like in past years evaluate the value of each pick. Based on projections for each player by draft outlets as well as our own reports we want to see if the pick’s value is above or below how the player was ranked coming into the draft.
Round 7 (Pick 226) – Carson Bruener LB Washington
With the annual NFL Draft pick honoring the late Pat Tillman, the Steelers went with a legacy pick Carson Bruener. The son of former Pittsburgh tight end Mark Bruener, he will add competition to the linebacker group that has some depth question marks.
Lance Zierlein’s NFL.com profile gave Bruener a 5.83 grade (average backup or special teamer) with a projection from the sixth to seventh round and had him as the 22nd-ranked linebacker.
He opined:
“Bruener doesn’t have the chiseled frame of a linebacker, but he seems to get things done. He comes from NFL bloodlines and plays stronger than his listed weight, with heavy hands. Despite the production, he appears to lack the functional speed and athleticism to survive against NFL offenses beyond the box. Bruener might not be an ideal fit as an NFL backup, but his special-teams work will be enticing for teams.”
Dane Brugler, in his The Beast draft guide, had Bruener listed as the No. 23 linebacker and was given a 6th – 7th round grade.
His profile states:
“A one-year starter at Washington, Bruener was the Mike linebacker in former defensive coordinator Steve Belichick’s versatile front seven. The son of a 14-year NFL veteran (and current NFL scout), he bounced around the depth chart (under three different head coaches) but found ways to be productive, regardless of his role. He had a career year in 2024 as one of only two Power 4 defenders with at least 104 tackles and three interceptions.
Bruener diagnoses quickly to drop into passing zones or trigger without wasting steps to hit gaps with purpose and control. Trusting his vision helps him play fast, although his average twitch and play strength will be tougher to overcome against NFL athletes. Overall, Bruener will be limited by middling agility and play violence, but his production represents an ability to always be around the football. He projects as an NFL backup with the speed and mentality of a core special teamer.”
CBSSports.com had Bruener as the 234th player on its board and the 18th linebacker overall. It gave him a grade of 72.05 (roster depth).
“Carson Bruener has good size. He displays average top-end speed and good acceleration. Bruener is a good leader and communicator. He does a below-average job taking on blocks and must do a better job coming to balance in space. He has good length to finish plays.”
Our profile by Josh Carey gave Bruener a 6.6 grade (Backup/Special teamer).
“There’s a lot to like with the bloodlines when it comes to Bruener, and he has a great attitude, based on the interview with Steelers Depot at the East-West Shrine Bowl in Dallas. The tape is quite good, too. He’s a tackling machine, tough as nails, and a good communicator and leadership presence.
Bruener showed his strengths working downhill against the run and flashed the ability to work in coverage, particularly zone, where he has good eyes and a good feel for what offenses are trying to do. His ball skills are above average for the position, too. I just have real concerns about his lateral agility, though.
He can develop into a rotational linebacker who can handle a three-down role for an extended stretch. Still, at the very least right away, Bruener can be a key special teams piece that can eventually be a special teams captain in the league.”
The Steelers love players with NFL bloodlines and Steelers bloodlines even more. Bruener will have a battle to make the 53-man roster, but you know he will be up for it.
The evaluators all considered him a late Day 3 pick and that is where he went.
Based on the ratings above, this is a pick of solid value.
