With their first pick in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers took Washington linebacker Carson Bruener. That pick felt like it was penciled in for the Steelers before the draft ever began. Bruener’s father, Mark, is a current scout with the Steelers, and also played tight end for them from 1995 to 2003. Steelers linebacker coach Scott McCurley believes the younger Bruener has a lot of his fathers’ ability.
“Legend here in Pittsburgh,” McCurley said after the team’s seventh round selections of Mark Bruener via Steelers Nation Radio. “Watched him play growing up and I think that pedigree really carries over when you see Carson play. How smart he is, instinctive. You can see that coming out in him on the football field.”
The elder Bruener didn’t only play for the Steelers. He also suited up for the Houston Texans from 2004 to 2008. A first-round pick in 1995, Bruener put together a solid career. If the younger Bruener can have a career like that, the Steelers would likely be thrilled.
Day 3 picks usually have a tough time making the initial 53-man roster, especially seventh-round picks. Bruener faces an uphill battle. However, it sounds like McCurley believes in his potential. He did showcase good athleticism throughout the pre-draft process, running a 4.58 40-yard dash. It seems like he has some of his father’s abilities, although their positions aren’t the same.
Luckily, Bruener could work his way on to the roster on special teams. The Steelers’ starting inside linebackers are already set. Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson are at the top of the depth chart. Cole Holcomb should have a chance to get back on the field this year, too. In free agency, the Steelers also added Malik Harrison. Mark Robinson was a valuable special teams player last year as well.
It feels like Bruener might have a tough time battling for a roster spot. However, Robinson is a former seventh-round pick who battled his way on to the roster through mostly special teams play. Bruener comes from a strong NFL bloodline, specifically in Pittsburgh, so if he can tap into some of that potential, he may earn himself a spot on the team.
