Steelers Draft Notre Dame DT With Family Connection

The Pittsburgh Steelers added some depth to the interior of their defensive line in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

At No. 210 overall, the Steelers selected Notre Dame defensive tackle Gabriel Rubio.

Pittsburgh acquired that pick upon trading back from No. 161 to No. 169 with the Kansas City Chiefs in the fifth round.

The Steelers had not chosen a single front-seven player in this year's draft before taking Rubio.

Listed at 6-foot-5 and 321 pounds, Rubio is a former four-star recruit who signed with the Fighting Irish as a member of their 2021 recruiting class. He finished his collegiate career with 66 tackles, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble over 39 games.

Rubio's father, Angel, was picked by the Steelers in the seventh round of the 1998 NFL Draft out of Southeastern Missouri State, though he never played a regular season game for the team.

"He's ecstatic," Gabriel said about his dad. "He's so excited for me. He's given me all the pointers right now about living in Pittsburgh and what's going to go on, what's going to happen, so I'm really counting on his guidance."

Defensive tackle Gabriel Rubio (97) at Notre Dame football fall practice on Tuesday August 1, 2023. | MATTIE NERETIN / USA TODAY NETWORK

Patrick Graham Reacts to Rubio Pick

Speaking with reporters after the Steelers took Rubio, defensive coordinator Patrick Graham went into detail on what stands out about his game, highlighting his size and ability to stop the run.

"Just in terms of the size, the length, really just intriguing in terms of a big man up front," said defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. "Really fits what we're trying to do. Does a good job of defeating blocks. Hard to single block. The way he plays, he plays football the right way, has the right demeanor. His ability to play the run and then transition on early down run, using his length.

"You can see there's a savviness about him. Any time you're talking about a stout, big, long man playing on the interior defensive line, I think that fits the mold of what we're looking for here with the Steelers."

Graham also lauded Rubio's versatility along the defensive front, which is of massive importance in his 3-4 scheme.

"The key is to have versatility," said Graham. "My mind goes where are the multiple roles for this big body. He fits the mold for that."

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