Steelers Steal Big Undrafted Free Agent From Vikings After Originally Agreeing To Terms
Since the conclusion of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers have continued to strengthen their roster through the signing of undrafted free agents. Pittsburgh went into the event with a commitment to bolster their trenches, drafting defensive lineman Derrick Harmon with their first-round pick. On Monday, the Steelers agreed to terms with Blake Mangelson, a defensive tackle from BYU. Mangelson will bring additional muscle to Pittsburgh's line and is a promising prospect, considering he only got better throughout his time in college. Although those unfamiliar with Mangelson may be quick to dismiss him due to the rookie going undrafted, there are plenty of stats that should give Steelers fans confidence in the lineman's abilities.
During his time with the Cougars, Mangelson earned some memorable accolades, including a defensive MVP Award. It's easy to see why the young player's stock has been rising so quickly. At BYU, Mangelson got more and more tackles every season, getting just five total tackles in the 2021 season, but 37 in the 2024 season. Mangelson's stats also improved in other areas, including sacks and interceptions. Some of Mangelson's biggest strengths as a defender are as a pass rusher and batting down passes.
Mangelson will forgo the Minnesota Vikings' minicamp to start his training with Pittsburgh. Mangelson may not have the flashiest highlight reel as it is, but he will surely develop with the defense in Pittsburgh. Mangelson stands at six feet and five inches and weighs 270 pounds. If his trend of improvement continues, Mangelson could become a force to be reckoned with.
It's unclear where Mangelson will fall on the depth chart. The rookie will have to prove himself in training camp and compete with the likes of Harmon and Yahya Black for a starting spot. The Steelers recently parting ways with Montravius Adams could open up a potential spot for Mangelson to fight for. No BYU players were picked in this year's draft. However, Mangelson joins seven Cougars who earned themselves pro-opportunities as undrafted free agents.
Mangelson also had an impressive performance at his Pro Day, achieving 5.01 in the 40-yard dash with a 1.70 10-yard split at the Big 12 Pro Day. In Pittsburgh, Mangelson will join other undrafted free agents signed by the Steelers: wide receiver Roc Taylor, offensive guard Aiden Williams, fullback DJ Thomas-Jones, wide receiver Ke'Shawn Williams, safety Sebastian Castro, kicker Ben Sauls, and tight end JJ Galbreath.
Steelers Continue Their Commitment To Strengthening The Defensive Line
The holes in the Steelers' defensive line were considered the team's biggest need going into the 2025 draft. It seemed that the only thing that could keep the Steelers from taking a defensive lineman 21st overall was if the team's quarterback situation unraveled further. However, the Steelers made it clear that the line takes priority.
Mangelson is the latest pick in the Steelers' efforts to ensure the team's defensive strength far into the future. The Steelers have the highest-paid defense in the NFL, so it's not an area of the team that Pittsburgh is willing to skimp on. Steelers veteran Cam Heyward, who is arguably the cornerstone of the team's defense, and maybe the team as a whole, is only getting older. The Steelers will be searching for Heyward's long-term replacement and a defense that will be able to back him up.
While Mangelson is a longshot from the next Heyward, his signing signals a larger commitment the Steelers have to building up the defense long-term.
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