Steelers Draft Another Player with Ties to Organization
The Pittsburgh Steelers are selecting Washington linebacker Carson Bruener with the No. 226 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers, who love NFL bloodlines, are adding yet another player with ties to the organization. They selected Washington linebacker Carson Bruener with the No. 226 overall pick in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Bruener is the son of former Steelers tight end and current scout Mark Bruener. His father is Pittsburgh’s west-coast scout, so Washington is in his territory.
The 23-year-old has had a productive four years at Washington, where he recorded 305 tackles (180 solo), one sack, four forced fumbles, five interceptions and nine passes defensed. In 2024, he had a career-high 104 tackles (60 solo), three interceptions and five passes defensed.
Bruener projects to start as a special teamer since he is joining a crowded linebacker room, which already includes Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Cole Holcomb, Malik Harrison and Mark Robinson. However, he will certainly have the opportunity to establish himself as a runner defender on defense, standing at 6-foot-1, 227 pounds.
He is also reuniting with former Washington teammate, offensive tackle Troy Fautanu, who was the Steelers’ first-round pick a year ago.
Bruener ran a 4.58-second 40-yard dash and recorded a 33.5-inch vertical jump and 9-foot-11 broad jump at the NFL Scouting Combine, scoring himself an athleticism score of 77, which ranked 10th among linebackers in Indianapolis.