Steelers May Have Found Another Steal In UDFA Pool As Pittsburgh Lands An Athletic Freak

The Pittsburgh Steelers have put together a couple of really successful draft classes under General Manager Omar Khan, and it seems like the organization added to that in 2025. The franchise is also trying to put in some work with the undrafted free agents, and Pittsburgh has seemed to sign a good crop of undrafted players to come in and compete for a roster spot as well. Tight end was a position of focus when it came to the undrafted free agents, as the organization gave the largest signing bonus to a non-quarterback undrafted free agent, to full back and tight end DJ Thomas-Jones. Pittsburgh also signed tight end JJ Galbreath.

It is always interesting to look at the group of undrafted players to see who is most likely to make the final roster. It is a hard feat to accomplish, but Pittsburgh has made a habit of making contributors out of undrafted free agents. This was the case with James Harrison, Jaylen Warren was also undrafted, and Beanie Bishop Jr. was starting Week 1 of the 2024 season as a rookie after not getting picked. The hope is that an organization can find an undrafted player like that every year, but that is an unreasonable expectation. 

Galbreath is considered one of the undrafted free agents with the best chance to make the final roster, or at the very least, stick around on the practice squad. Team insider Mike DeFabo ranked him as the player that is most likely to make the team, while also highlighting just how great of an athlete he is in a recent article for The Athletic.

"Even though the Steelers have considerable depth at the position, Galbreath, at 6-3, 231-pounds, could be a dark-horse candidate to earn a job or stick around on the practice squad after posting impressive numbers at his Pro Day," DeFabo wrote. "His 4.61 40-yard dash and 4.20 shuttle time would have been the fastest among tight ends who tested at the [NFL Combine]. Galbreath also would have been tied for the second-best vertical (38 inches) and third in the broad jump (10-3)."

Galbreath is from South Dakota, so he didn't get an invite to the NFL's Scouting Combine. However, if his numbers were compared to the tight ends at the event, he would have blown them all out of the water. He will have the chance to put his athleticism on full display at minicamp, and put his best foot forward when it comes to making the team in August.

Galbreath has plenty of versatility, but the main weakness with his game is his blocking and sheer size as an NFL tight end. Galbreath stands at 6'3, and weighs 231 pounds. That is a big human, but his strength is often questioned as he was only able to put up 12 reps on the bench press at his Pro Day. The inability to block effectively could be the exact reason he does not make the final roster, but if he turns things around in that department, he might be a pleasant surprise to fans.

Steelers Tight Ends Could See Their Roster Spots In Danger

Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington are both obvious locks to make the final roster in 2025, however the tight end room behind them is a bit crowded. Donald Parham Jr. and Connor Heyward are the next two tight ends, with Heyward also serving in the fullback role occasionally. Galbreath lined up at every wide receiver spot in college and his versatility is unmatched, so if he can come in and block effectively, Pittsburgh could consider moving on from Heyward.

Heyward has more to worry about than just Galbreath, however. Thomas-Jones will also be on his heels as a tight end and a fullback. If the two undrafted tight ends can provide some versatility while also being effective on special teams, Heyward's time with the Steelers might be over.

What do you think of Galbreath? Let us know in the comments below!

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