With the first of their two seventh-round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft after trading back in the fifth round with Kansas City, the Steelers selected linebacker Carson Bruener of Washington.
If the last name sounds familiar, it's because Bruener is the son of former Steelers tight end and current scout Mark Bruener.
But the Steelers didn't take Bruener as a favor to his father. The 6-foot-1, 227-pound linebacker was expected to be selected in the draft after posting 104 tackles, eight pass defenses and three interceptions in 2024. He was one of just two players in Power 4 conferences last season to record at least 100 tackles and three interceptions last season.
Buener wasn't a one-year wonder, as well. He had 86 tackles in 2023, intercepting another pass, as well.
In his career, Bruener recorded 306 tackles, including 10.5 for a loss, 1.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, five interceptions and 14 pass defenses.
Take a look at photos of Pittsburgh Steelers seventh-round pick Carson Bruener
Washington linebacker Carson Bruener looks on during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Washington State, Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Washington linebacker Carson Bruener (42) tackles Eastern Michigan running back Dontae McMillan (28) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Washington State wide receiver Lincoln Victor is tackled by Washington linebacker Carson Bruener during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Washington linebacker Carson Bruener, left, tackles Colorado quarterback Brendon Lewis in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Washington linebacker Carson Bruener reacts after a play against Southern California during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Oregon running back Bucky Irving is tackled by Washington defensive end Bralen Trice (8) and linebacker Carson Bruener (42) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in Seattle. Washington won 36-33. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Washington linebacker Carson Bruener runs back an interception during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in Seattle. Washington won 56-19. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Washington linebacker Carson Bruener is pictured during an NCAA football game against Arkansas State on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, in Seattle. Washington won 52-3. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
The Steelers' inside linebacker room is a crowded one, with veterans Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, one of the team's top rookies last season, Cole Holcomb, Mark Robinson and Malik Harrison already on the roster. But Holcomb missed the entire 2024 season due to a leg injury suffered in 2023, though he has been cleared to return to play.
Robinson and Harrison are considered above average special teams players, and that's where Bruener will have to make his way, as well.
Bruener is viewed as a high-quality special teams player. He ran a blazing 4.58-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, showing off sideline-to-sideline speed.
