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.