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# Huskies Linebacker Carson Bruener Selection by Steelers More Than a “Great Story”
- URL: https://www.emeraldcityspectrum.com/former-huskies-lb-carson-bruener-selection-by-steelers-more-than-great-story/
- Published: 2025-04-27T19:58:28.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-08T05:59:39.000Z
- Author: Aaron Coe
- Tags: Huskies, Washington Football, Carson Bruener, Mark Bruener, Pittsburgh Steelers, 2025 NFL Draft, Sebastian Valdez, Will Rogers, Keleki Latu

\[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="916"\]

![  Former Washington Huskies and new Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker prepares to rush the passer in UW’s game against Michigan on Oct. 5, 2024. Credit: Carson Bruener/Instagram  ](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1d/f2/1df2f77b-83dd-4bc0-a6d2-6d1bb5df89a3/content/images/2026/10/carson-bruener-format-original-1.jpg)

Former Washington Huskies and new Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker prepares to rush the passer in UW’s game against Michigan on Oct. 5, 2024\. Credit: Carson Bruener/Instagram \[/caption\]

For former Washington Huskies linebacker Carson Bruener and the Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday’s seventh-round selection was more than a cool story. 

Yes, Bruener’s dad — former UW tight end Mark Bruener — played for the Steelers for nine seasons and currently serves as a scout for the organization. But, NFL teams — especially strong organizations — are not in the business of throwing away draft picks for clicks. 

“Great story, obviously, for he and his family,” Tomlin said in the team’s post-draft press conference. “But as I told him when we had him on the phone, we’re on the phone with him because of the merits of his resume and the things that he did at Udub, you know. Over 100 tackles this year as a starting inside linebacker, displaying great instincts, and in ‘22 and ‘23, he had double-digit special teams tackles for his football team. So it’s a worthy resume — it’s just an awesome side note.”

To make the selection more than a side note, Bruener will attempt to make the team’s final roster for the 2025 season. At Measuring in just over 6-1 and 227 pounds, Bruener ran a 4.59-second 40-yard dash at the combine to show some NFL-level speed. Pass coverage and side-to-side quickness are areas to work on to become an every-down player, but Bruener’s early contributions would most likely start on special teams. That’s where Bruener excelled early in his career at UW, showing strong instincts and recklessness required to tackle kick returners. 

Steelers special teams coach Danny Smith likes what he sees in his new player. 

“He’s a four-phase guy — punt, punt return, kickoff, kickoff return,” Smith said. “He’s big, he’s strong, he’s fast. He’s relentless. He should be a good player.”

Though the son plays a different position than his father during a different era, linebackers coach Scott McCurley sees some traits in his new linebacker that are similar to the legendary ones displayed by Mark Bruener both at UW (1991-1994) and the Steelers (1995-2003). Bruener, who also played for the Houston Texas from 2004-2008, played 14 seasons in the NFL. 

“I think that pedigree really carries over when you see how Carson plays,” said McCurley, who replaced former Seahawk Aaron Curry as Steelers linebackers coach in February. “How smart he is — instinctive — you can see that coming out on the football field.”

After 10 Huskies were drafted in 2024, Bruener was the only UW player selected in 2025\. However, three former Dawgs were signed as undrafted free agents on Saturday. 

**Sebastian Valdez** signed with the San Francisco 49ers, according to multiple reports. The 6-4, 305-pound defensive tackled played one year for UW after transferring from Montana St. The All-Big Ten honorable mention selection recorded 49 tackles, including two sacks for the Huskies in 2024\. Valdez has a strong UW Pro Day, running the 40 in just under 5 seconds and putting up 34 reps at 225 pounds on the bench press. 

**Keleki Latu**, another one-year Husky, has signed with Buffalo Bills, per a report from Tom Pelissero. The 6-7, 244-pound tight end caught 40 passes for 371 yards for UW last season after transferring from Nevada. 

**Jeremiah Hunter** signed with the Chicago Bears, according to his agency. Hunter, a 6-foot-2, 212-pound receiver, chipped in with 36 receptions for 490 yards in his lone year at UW after recording 142 catches for 2,056 yards during his Cal career. 

**Alphonzo Tuputala** and **Will Rogers**, as of Sunday morning, were among former Huskies who appeared to remain unsigned by NFL teams.