The Pittsburgh Steelers grabbed Notre Dame’s Gabriel Rubio in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Rubio was the only defensive lineman in Pittsburgh’s 2026 draft class, and yet, he might not be the team’s top rookie in that unit. Rubio could need to earn that title in a competition with undrafted rookie Kevin Jobity Jr. this summer.
Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport hyped Jobity as the Steelers top undrafted free agent this offseason. Not only that, but Davenport sees Jobity as competing with Rubio for a 2026 roster spot.
“A 6’4″, 304-pound defensive tackle who is unpolished but has a high motor, Jobity had the best season of his collegiate career in 2025, logging 30 tackles and five sacks at Syracuse,” wrote Davenport.
“Jobity’s athleticism and versatility are going to make him a player to watch this summer. And Rubio is going to have his hands full seeing off Jobity for a roster spot.”
In four seasons at Syracuse, Jobity registered 84 combined tackles, including 20.5 tackles for loss and 10 sacks in 38 games. During 2025, he had six tackles for loss, five sacks and one pass defense.
What Kevin Jobity Jr. Could Give Steelers
Davenport used analysis from USA Today’s Steelers Wire’s Curt Popejoy to form his argument that Jobity is the most exciting undrafted player on Pittsburgh’s roster this spring.
Popejoy highlighted Jobity as a defensive lineman to keep an eye on over the summer, even ahead of Rubio.
“To be honest, if the Steelers have selected Syracuse defensive lineman Kevin Jobity Jr. instead of Gabriel Rubio in the sixth round, we would have been less surprised,” wrote Popejoy. “Jobity’s upside, especially as a pass rusher is much higher than Rivera and at 6-foot-4 and experience inside and outside, fits precisely what the Steelers need as depth behind Cam Heyward.
Popejoy concluded writing, “we love Jobity’s chances.”
Whether it’s Jobity or Rubio, young defensive linemen have an uphill battle to significant playing time in Pittsburgh this season. Starters Cameron Heyward, Keeanu Benton and Derrick Harmon are all returning along with key depth contributor Yahya Black.
The Steelers also added Sebastian Joseph-Day and Jahvaree Ritzie in NFL free agency.
In addition to Rubio, Jobity will likely compete with Esezi Otomewo, Logan Lee, Anthony Goodlow and Kyler Baugh for playing time this preseason.
Steelers 2026 Undrafted Free Agency Class
With 10 selections in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Steelers undrafted free agency class was a smaller group. The team signed six players, including Jobity.
Individual players in that six-man group, though, have received hype from various pundits over the past month. On April 30, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox raved about cornerback Devan Boykin.
“After signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Boykin’s experience and physical style of play could earn him a spot on the active roster,” wrote Knox.
On May 2, Steelers Depot’s Josh Carney argued undrafted tight end Lake McRee could have a path to a roster spot in Pittsburgh this summer.
In conclusion, Jobity isn’t the only undrafted free agent the Steelers can be excited about for 2026. But Davenport clearly sees the defensive lineman as a guy fans shouldn’t overlook.
In addition to Jobity, Boykin and McRee, the Steelers signed tight end Chamon Metayer, linebacker Daylan Carnell and kicker Laith Marjan in 2026 undrafted free agency.
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