Two Canine, One Bone: Mark Robinson And Carson Bruener Battling For The Last ILB Spot

Reintroducing a sequence highlighting coaching camp battles at particular positions on the Pittsburgh Steelers roster as two gamers compete for the ultimate roster spot on the depth chart. At this time, we look at the within linebacker place, particularly the battle between Mark Robinson and Carson Bruener.

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a “legacy” choose close to the top of the 2025 NFL Draft. They chose Washington LB Carson Bruener whose father, Mark Bruener, was taken by the Steelers within the first spherical of the 1995 NFL Draft and performed for them for 9 seasons earlier than later turning into a scout for the staff again in 2010.

Relating to his son who the staff chosen within the seventh spherical of the draft, Carson Bruener, he carefully resembles former Steelers LB and particular groups ace Tyler Matekevich, missing superb measurement and size, however making up for it together with his aggressiveness as a tackler and energy in pursuit. He was drafted to be extra of a depth piece that cuts his enamel on particular groups in an effort to make the roster, however he’s flashed the flexibility to work in zone protection and depend on his instincts and soccer mind to be in the proper place on the proper time.

Bruener is competing with Mark Robinson for possible the ultimate spot on the depth chart, as Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson and Malik Harrison are roster locks with Cole Holcomb being a possible candidate to make the roster as a former high quality starter working again from damage. Robinson additionally was drafted within the seventh spherical again in 2022 and is coming into the ultimate 12 months of his rookie deal.

It was as soon as believed that Robinson may have an opportunity at extra taking part in time on protection, as he was a uncooked prospect popping out of Ole Miss, having performed operating again all however one season in school. Up to now, Robinson has seen most of his worth come on particular groups, having performed 603 snaps there over the course of the final two seasons. He’s logged 203 defensive snaps in his profession, being a significantly better run defender than protection participant as a downhill thumper who performs his finest soccer going ahead in comparison with taking part in in area.

Resulting from a number of causes, it’s honest to count on that Bruener might have a leg up on Robinson for the fifth inside linebacker spot on Pittsburgh’s depth chart. Bruener is probably going a greater protection participant general than Robinson, and he’s additionally on a contemporary rookie deal whereas Robinson’s contract is about to run out after the 2025 season. He possible may very well be signed again on the veteran minimal, however his ceiling may very well be maxed out as a professional, whereas Bruener’s professional soccer journey is barely starting.

Bruener’s father being on the workers doesn’t damage his probabilities both (though his dad doesn’t wish to have the staff considering he’s right here due to him). Robinson continues to be extra skilled than Bruener, and their play on particular groups throughout coaching camp and the preseason will possible go a good distance in figuring out who wins the roster spot.