The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed rookie linebacker Carson Bruener, their first of two seventh-round selections, the team announced Friday. Bruener, who played his college ball at Washington, brings a strong connection to the franchise—his father, Mark Bruener, was a former Steelers tight end and currently works as the team’s West Coast Area Scout.
Interestingly, Carson was drafted 30 years after his father, and in the same Westport, Washington cabin, even sitting on the same couch. During the pre-draft process, Carson kept things professional, even keeping his dad out of interviews at the Shrine Bowl.
“I didn’t let him be part of it,” Carson told Alex Katson of Huskies Wire. “He already knows everything about me—he didn’t need to be there.”
Carson made a name for himself at Washington, becoming a standout defender. In his senior season, he totaled 104 tackles, three interceptions, a forced fumble, and five pass breakups. His father’s presence around the program also helped give the Steelers confidence in other Washington players, such as last year’s draft pick, offensive lineman Troy Fautanu.
Though it was a thin linebacker class, Pittsburgh sees Carson Bruener as a strong candidate for special teams and depth at the position.