Gabriel Rubio
Gabriel Rubio
Gabriel Rubio was a surprise pick when the Pittsburgh Steelers selected him 210th overall in this year’s draft. While he fit the profile of what the Steelers look for in a defensive lineman, injuries throughout his college career made him a relative unknown entering the pre-draft process. However, his preseason play at nose tackle has opened some eyes.
After impressing throughout the preseason and earning a spot on the 53-man roster, Rubio is beginning to look like a legitimate option along the Steelers’ defensive line. According to former Steelers offensive lineman Willie Colon, Rubio could push Yahya Black for playing time at the nose tackle position.
“Watching Rubio in the preseason, he looks and feels more like a natural at that position than actually Yahya,” Colon said via In The Locker Room on SNR. “Because if you watch him in traffic, he knows how to get off blocks, he doesn’t get washed off the ball easily, he does a good job of reading hats and reacting to it. I think if you’re Yahya, and you struggle early out the game, you start to get Rubio ready to roll, because he just seems more natural than Yahya at the position right now.”
As a rookie last season, Black played defensive end rather than nose tackle, but under the new coaching staff, he appears poised to play more at the nose this season. Black finished 2025 with 28 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and a pass deflection while playing in all 17 games in a rotational role. While his production was modest, Black gained valuable experience in the Steelers’ defensive front and appears to be in line for an increased role heading into his second season.
Colon’s comments seem to be more about Rubio’s fit at nose than a knock on Black, though they indicate the rookie could be closer to meaningful playing time than many expected.
After receiving a sizable payday in the offseason, Keeanu Benton is listed as the starting nose tackle on the Steelers’ latest depth chart, but rotation and depth along the entire defensive line will be key. It’s no guarantee that Rubio will dress in Week 1, but if he does, it will be his first opportunity to establish a role. Rubio is best fitted as a run stopper, and Pittsburgh’s defense can use all the help it can get against Bijan Robinson for the opener against the Atlanta Falcons.
If Rubio gets any extended playing time against Atlanta, it could signal a plan to have him contribute this season. Black was in a similar situation last season as a late-round pick. Even though he had no guarantees as a fifth-round rookie, Black carved out a role for himself on the defense and showed that he belonged. Rubio could be in line for a similar coming-out party this season, giving Pittsburgh another young defensive lineman to rely on as the year progresses.