Full Breakdown
Steelers 2026 Rookie Minicamp: 12 Tryout Players Compete for Roster Spots
5/9/2026, 11:00:10 PM
Minicamp Roster Overview
The Pittsburgh Steelers held a three-day rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. The 40-player roster comprised ten draft picks, six undrafted rookie free agents, and twelve players from the offseason roster who retain rookie-camp eligibility. In addition, twelve tryout players—nine of them rookies—joined the sessions on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Offseason Context and Special Teams Needs
The Steelers enter the 2026 season with only one punter on the 53-man roster, veteran Cameron Johnston. Historically the club adds a second punter during the summer, creating an opening for any of the three tryout specialists. Inside-linebacker depth is thin, prompting the team to evaluate former Kansas City Chiefs UDFA Brandon George and other linebackers. Long-snapper competition includes veteran Jacob Bobenmoyer and two offseason snapper candidates, Christian Kuntz and Cal Adomitis.
Notable Tryout Candidates
Former Pitt players: linebacker Brandon George (6-ft-3, 240 lb, 80 tackles senior year), defensive back Rashad Battle (6-ft-2, 203 lb, 78 tackles, 13 pass deflections), wide receiver Raphael “Poppi” Williams (5-ft-10, 199 lb, 13 touchdowns 2024-25) and linebacker Joseph Zelinsky (6-ft-2, 245 lb, 23 tackles, 2 sacks). Other linebackers: Terrell Tilmon (Texas Tech, 6-ft-3, 242 lb, 3.5 sacks 2024) and Jimari Butler (LSU, 6-ft-4, 258 lb, 24 tackles, 2 sacks). Special-team prospects: punters Gabriel Nwosu (Penn State, 6-ft-6, 313 lb, 46-yard average), Ryan Stonehouse (Colorado State, former NFL All-Pro, >50-yard average 2024-25) and Devin Bale (Arkansas, 45.6-yard average 2025, six tackles), plus long snapper Jacob Bobenmoyer (Northern Colorado, seven-year veteran). Position players: running back Alex Tecza (Navy, 902 yards, 10 touchdowns 2025, 5-ft-10, 199 lb) and center Gregory Crippen (Michigan, 6-ft-3, 301 lb, 5.44-second 40, 28-inch vertical, 8-ft-8-in broad jump).
Performance Metrics and Physical Profiles
The tryout group displayed a range of measurable traits. Zelinsky posted a 4.77-second 40-yard dash, 34-inch vertical, and 7.43-second three-cone drill. Tilmon recorded a 4.76-second 40, 33-inch vertical, and 10-ft-2-in broad jump. Crippen’s 5.44-second 40, 28-inch vertical and 8-ft-8-in broad jump place him among the larger interior linemen. Battle ran a 4.57-second 40 with a 33-inch vertical. Tecza’s production at Navy included 902 yards and 10 touchdowns, though his 5-ft-10 stature is considered undersized for a pro-style offense. Stonehouse’s 53.1-yard punting average in 2022 remains the NFL record; his 2024-25 averages stayed above 50 yards.
Official Outlook and Team Statements
The Steelers roster lists only one punter, Cameron Johnston, and includes veteran long snapper Jacob Bobenmoyer alongside two offseason snapper candidates, Christian Kuntz and Cal Adomitis. The presence of three tryout punters and a veteran long snapper reflects the team’s need for depth at those positions. The organization has a history of signing at least one tryout player after rookie minicamp.
What’s Next
Roster decisions will be made before the July training camp. The Steelers will assess the performance of all tryout participants during the three-day minicamp and adjust the offseason roster accordingly.
