The Pittsburgh Steelers have found some success through the years in uncovering hidden gems in the undrafted free agent market following the NFL Draft. One player who didn’t hear his name called during the 2025 NFL Draft was offensive tackle Gareth Warren out of FCS program Lindenwood University. Despite flying under the radar throughout the pre-draft process, Warren did enough to earn an invite to the prestigious East-West Shrine Bowl, where he showcased his skills against stronger competition.
Don Adams Jr. Photos
Gareth Warren gets ready to block during a game in college.
Warren didn’t carry a high draft grade in the eyes of most pundits, but that hasn’t deterred the Steelers from giving him a closer look. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 328 pounds, Warren is considered a raw but intriguing developmental prospect. The Steelers clearly see potential in his size and upside, inviting him to participate in their rookie minicamp from May 9–11 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
With a strong showing, he could earn a spot on Pittsburgh’s 90-man offseason roster. Warren recently spoke with KHON2 News about this exciting opportunity, expressing gratitude for the chance to prove himself at the NFL level.
"Yeah, right now is just preparing the best I can for the Steelers' camp," Warren said. "This is something you dream about, I mean, from a young age, right when I started football around seven or eight years old."
He acknowledged that the journey ahead won’t be easy, but he's motivated to take full advantage of every rep and meeting during mini-camp.
Don Adams Jr. Photos
Gareth Warren looks on during a game with Lindenwood in college while chatting with his coach.
For a franchise known for finding value in overlooked talent, the Steelers may once again be hoping they’ve uncovered their next underdog success story.
"Just putting in a lot of hard work and then just to see it in reality now is just crazy," Warren said. "Words can't really explain the emotions. It's just crazy, but I am ready to go out and put in the work."
Making the 53-man roster won’t be easy. Even making the 90-man offseason roster is a long shot. Impressing the Steelers enough during rookie mini-camp to earn a contract is perhaps the toughest challenge of all as well. However, if there’s one thing Warren knows how to do, it’s defy expectations. He’s been overlooked his entire football journey, and now he's eager to seize this rare opportunity with everything he’s got.
Warren’s draft stock didn’t rise largely because of the level of competition he faced at FCS Lindenwood. However, when given the chance to face tougher opponents—such as a 2024 matchup against Kansas—he held his own and even elevated his performance. Scouts took notice of how his technique and effort remained consistent, regardless of the opponent. That resilience and readiness likely played a key role in earning him an invite to the Steelers’ rookie mini-camp.
Steelers Might See Value In Long-Term Development Of Gareth Warren
While the odds are stacked against him, Warren brings true NFL size at 6-foot-6 and 328 pounds, along with a raw physicality that’s hard to ignore. The Steelers may see him as a long-term project worth developing, especially if he flashes potential in drills and meetings. For a team with a history of finding hidden talent, Warren could be the next under-the-radar prospect to earn a longer look in Pittsburgh.
Lindenwood Photos
Gareth Warren in a graphic for the 2025 Senior Bowl.
The odds are not in Warren’s favor to earn any sort of long-term deal in Pittsburgh—at least not yet. However, once he steps onto the field at rookie mini-camp, there’s always a chance he could stand out and impress the Steelers enough to make them consider signing him. Sometimes, in the NFL, finding a hidden gem is as simple as giving a guy like Warren an opportunity. He’s hungry for the shot and fully intends to make the most of it. Steelers fans will no doubt be rooting for him.
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