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DT · PIT

Gabriel Rubio

Position DT
Team PIT
Bye Week —
PPR Rank —

Gabriel Rubio

NFL player. Position: DT. Team: PIT (Pittsburgh Steelers).

Quick Facts

  • Position: DT (Defensive Tackle)
  • Team: PIT (Pittsburgh Steelers)
  • Draft: 2026 NFL Draft, 6th round (Steelers)
  • College: Notre Dame
  • Status: Rookie, competing for 53-man roster spot

2026 Outlook

Steelers selected Rubio in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft out of Notre Dame. While the selection caught many fans off guard, his measurables and college tape made the pick understandable. At his 2026 pro day, Rubio measured 6'05", 321 pounds with 33 5/8-inch arms and 10-inch hands. He posted a 40-yard dash of 5.29 seconds, 26 reps on the bench press, 26-inch vertical jump, and 8'9" broad jump. Short shuttle was 4.87 seconds, three-cone drill was 7.62 seconds.

In 39 college games at Notre Dame, Rubio registered 66 total tackles, 7 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, 3 passes defensed, and 1 forced fumble. His play against the run was his biggest strength—Pro Football Focus run grade never dipped below 71.0 in any of his last four college seasons. However, pass rushing left much to be desired. He's not the most agile or athletic, functioning more as a space eater and immovable force than a dynamic edge threat. Reliable tackler in college.

Injury history: A concern heading into his first NFL camp. Missed several college games due to foot and elbow issues.

Roster outlook: Not guaranteed a spot on Pittsburgh's 53-man roster heading into camp. Will need to stay healthy and earn his position. The top five defensive linemen (Cameron Heyward, Derrick Harmon, Keeanu Benton, Yahya Black, Sebastian Joseph-Day) are perceived as locks, leaving likely two spots open for depth competition. Rubio should have a solid shot at practice squad placement if he fails to make the 53. Should receive considerable preseason snaps on defense (per 90 In 30: Steelers 2026 Training Camp Preview Series — Jalen Ramsey, Aaron Rodgers, Gabriel Rubio).

Family connection: His father Angel Rubio was selected by the Steelers in the seventh round of the 1998 NFL Draft, creating a multi-generational Steelers tie.

Role / Depth Chart

Defensive tackle, depth chart. Competing for interior defensive line spots behind the five established locks.

Recent News

Open Questions

  • Will Rubio stay healthy through training camp and preseason?
  • Can he earn a spot on the 53-man roster, or will he land on the practice squad?
  • How quickly can he develop his pass-rushing technique at the NFL level?

Sources