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Rookie Bruener Aces Special Teams, Eyes Linebacker Role
15 Jun
Summary
- Bruener earned a 91.5 PFF grade on special teams last season.
- He played 303 special teams snaps, among the league's highest.
- Bruener competes for backup inside linebacker duties.
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie Carson Bruener made an immediate impact on special teams during his first season, earning a Pro Football Focus grade of 91.5. He accumulated 303 special teams snaps, a figure achieved by very few players across the league. Bruener's father, former Steelers tight end Mark Bruener, is noted as a foundational influence.
While excelling on special teams, Bruener is also working to climb the linebacker depth chart. He is competing for the backup inside linebacker role against free-agent signee Malik Harrison. Bruener's collegiate career saw him develop from a freshman special teams ace into a crucial defensive player.
With a promising start, first-year coach Mike McCarthy may see Bruener evolve into a future team captain, mirroring his development at the University of Washington. The Woodinville, Washington native's trajectory suggests potential for significant contributions both on special teams and at linebacker.
