The Pittsburgh Steelers continued to emphasize depth and versatility in the later rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft, closing out the event on a high note in downtown Pittsburgh. The Steelers added running back Eli Heidenreich, defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings and defensive lineman Gabriel Rubio as part of a class designed to reinforce the roster’s physical identity.
Rubio adds depth along the defensive line
Gabriel Rubio, the son of former Steelers nose tackle Angel Rubio, was a late-round addition on the defensive line. He fits a familiar mold for the organization. At over 300 pounds, he brings size and strength to the defensive interior, an area where Pittsburgh has long prioritized depth and rotation. According to Steelers.com, Rubio’s primary value lies in his ability to anchor against the run and occupy blockers, helping free linebackers to make plays. Rubio has played some nose tackle, but at Notre Dame he played all of the interior positions and the 4I technique, normally played by Cameron Heyward.
Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, in the post selection media presser hesitated to name Rubio to a specific position. “Everybody gets stuck on one position,” said Graham. “At this point, the more positions they can play, the better off they’ll be.”
Based on what Graham further said about Rubio’s size and strength, the Steelers seem intent to allow the prospect to develop into a multi-use defensive lineman and allow him to continue to develop his technique in the system.
Spears-Jennings a physical specimen for defense
Robert Spears-Jennings was the first of two seventh-round picks the Steelers selected. The safety out of Oklahoma posted the highest 40-yard dash time at his position at the Pro Scouting Combine this spring. He adds depth to the secondary with a blend of size and physicality. A safety with experience in multiple alignments, he is viewed as a developmental defensive back. NFL.com and ESPN scouting reports point to his aggressiveness and tackling ability as strengths, particularly in run support and underneath coverage.
Steelers assistant head coach/secondary coach Joe Whitt Jr. said of Spears-Jennings, “He has the skills set.” Whitt admitted that they addressed different needs earlier in the draft but implied that Spears-Jennings fits despite where he was selected.
Spears-Jennings’ immediate path to playing time is likely on special teams. His physical style and range make him a candidate for coverage units, while his positional flexibility could allow him to rotate into dime packages. The Steelers’ defensive scheme often asks safeties to handle varied responsibilities, and his background suggests he can adapt to those demands over time.
Heidenreich brings additional ground-game depth
Eli Heidenreich, taken in the final round at the Steelers’ last prospect, brings a physical running style and versatility that fits Pittsburgh’s offensive identity. According to evaluations from NFL and ESPN, he projects as a downhill runner with the ability to contribute in short-yardage and special teams situations. While not considered an elite breakaway threat, his vision and toughness between the tackles make him a natural fit in a system that has historically emphasized a strong ground game.
A local product from Mt. Lebanon, Heidenreich was primarily a running back at Navy, but also played wide receiver and returned 10 kicks. Again, his positional versatility plays into Mike McCarthy’s plan for the Steelers – multiple players who can be tasked with position responsibilities. Heidenreich will be a developmental player who may need to earn his way via special teams, but gives Pittsburgh yet another option on offense.