Gabriel Rubio
Gabriel Rubio
The focus might be on the leap second-year Pittsburgh Steelers defensive linemen Derrick Harmon and Yahya Black can make, but a late-round rookie is standing out, too. Sixth-round pick Gabriel Rubio was an unknown even to many draftniks in April, but he’s fitting in like a traditional Steelers defensive lineman.
“I think he’s just absorbing,” Cam Heyward told reporters via the team website after Friday’s closed practice. “You come to a situation where it’s different from college. He’s playing with good pad level, good hands. But he’s also getting off blocks.”
Pad level, hand use, and beating blocks are fundamentals of being a defensive lineman. An encouraging report from Heyward, a lineman who knows what it takes better than nearly anyone else in the league.
Pittsburgh ran its goal-line drill during the session but because it was closed to fans and media aren’t allowed to report specifics, it’s hard to know what kind of impact Rubio made. Still, these questions are often leading and a reporter bringing up Rubio to Heyward indicates that the Notre Dame product was making plays.
Rubio has shown as much since the pads came on Monday. In our mid-week rookie review, we noted Rubio’s size, strength, and evident power in his hands.
“Rubio passes the eye test. He’s a massive human being who looks like a Steelers’ defensive lineman. Like the offensive linemen, the trenches can’t be talked about to any credible degree until the pads come on, meaning there’s only been two ‘real’ practices for evaluation.
In Tuesday’s 1v1 session, Rubio showed some power on his bull rush but didn’t particularly stand out during the session. Watching him in team, even in some of the lighter periods, you can see the power in his hands and the jolt he sends at the point of attack. He’ll be a fun film study during the preseason.”
After playing defensive end for the Fighting Irish, Rubio has been lining up at nose tackle in the Steelers’ base 3-4. He’s also played defensive tackle in sub-packages.
“He’s also asking a lot of good questions,” Heyward said. “It’s a good start for him.”
Rubio was a draft unknown but not for a lack of talent. Health was his primary issue. He was constantly limited by injuries throughout his college career, including playing just six games in 2025. It’s a reminder of why scouts analyze every player, and Rubio looks and plays like a fit in the Steelers’ scheme.
Defensive line remains a competitive battle between Esezi Otomewo, Dean Lowry, Rubio, and others. But Rubio’s quick start coupled with injuries to those who are supposed to be in the mix, like Logan Lee, is opening the door for Rubio to land on the Steelers’ 53-man roster.