Steelers Rookie Receives High Praise: 'He's Been Impressive'

The Pittsburgh Steelers have another strong class from the 2025 NFL Draft. With a big focus on defense, the Steelers selected players who can not only help the team in the future, but also during the 2025 campaign. Derrick Harmon and Yahya Black have both assisted an improving Steelers defensive line, and Jack Sawyer has added depth at the outside linebacker position following the injury to Alex Highsmith. One Steelers rookie hasn't seen as many defensive snaps as those previously mentioned, but is still helping the Steelers be successful in 2025.

The Steelers drafted linebacker Carson Bruener out of Washington with the 226th overall pick in April's draft. Bruener, son of former NFL tight end Mark Bruener, compiled over 300 tackles during his college career and earned a consensus Third-Team All-Big Ten selection in 2024. 

Known for his high motor and football IQ, Bruener quickly became a fan favorite during his time with the Huskies. His leadership and energy stood out in college, and those same qualities have already started to shine through his early days with the Steelers.

Pittsburgh’s deep linebacker group has limited Bruener’s opportunities on defense, but that hasn’t stopped him from contributing. Through the first four games of the season, he’s only seen one defensive snap, but his presence on special teams has earned the attention and respect of the coaching staff. In a locker room filled with veterans and playmakers, Bruener has found his role as a young player trying to make an impact in any way he can.

While speaking to the Pittsburgh media earlier in the Week 5 bye, Pittsburgh’s inside linebackers coach Scott McCurley praised the rookie for his dedication and steady improvement.

“He’s attacked his role on special teams, but really since Malik’s gone down, he’s got a ton of reps in practice,” McCurley said. “Even in the Seahawks game, just to throw him in there. He’s really a guy I don’t worry about. He’s accountable. He’s gonna execute, he’s gonna do his job. You know exactly what you’re gonna get out of him. He’s been impressive in that way.”

That kind of reliability and maturity is exactly what the Steelers value in their late-round picks. Under Head Coach Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh has built a reputation for developing players who may not be household names, but find ways to contribute on Sundays. Bruener’s story fits right in with that long-standing tradition. McCurley continued to emphasize how quickly Bruener has adapted to the pro level.

“The more reps he gets, the more comfortable he’s gonna be. He’s been great in the room. A smart kid, instinctive kid and knows how to play the game,” McCurley added.

Special teams often doesn’t get the spotlight that offense or defense does, but for the Steelers, it’s been a consistent difference-maker. Under the guidance of special teams coordinator Danny Smith, Pittsburgh’s third phase has been among the most disciplined in the league. Players like Miles Killebrew, Connor Heyward, and now Bruener, have all helped set the tone in that area.

The Steelers' Excellent Linebacker Play Has Kept Bruener On The Sidelines

The main reason Bruener hasn’t seen much action on defense is because of the stellar play from Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, and Cole Holcomb. The trio has been one of the biggest reasons for Pittsburgh’s defensive success in 2025. 

Queen, a major offseason addition in 2024, has lived up to the hype as the team’s defensive signal-caller, while Wilson’s speed and Holcomb’s experience have made the middle of the field tough for opposing offenses. Even with Malik Harrison sidelined due to injury, the Steelers haven’t missed a beat at the position. Still, Bruener’s presence gives the team another layer of depth should injuries pile up later in the year.