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Trai Essex Sees A Lot Of Former Steelers Super Bowl NT In Rookie Gabriel Rubio

Selecting Notre Dame defensive lineman Gabriel Rubio in the sixth round of April’s draft caused a lot of confusion in the moment surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers’ decision. His name wasn’t on anyone’s radar. He wasn’t ranked inside the consensus top…

By Josh Carney · Steelers Depot

Published: Saturday, 31 October 2026 at 5:30 PM

Key Things to Know

Former Steelers offensive lineman Trai Essex compared rookie defensive lineman Gabriel Rubio to former nose tackle Chris Hoke.
Essex praised Rubio for his leverage and stout play against the run, stating the rookie is balling out.
Rubio has stepped up as a rotational piece following absences for Derrick Harmon and Sebastian Joseph-Day.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Trai Essex compared rookie defensive lineman Gabriel Rubio to two-time Super Bowl champion nose tackle Chris Hoke. Essex praised Rubio's leverage, bend, and stout run-stopping ability, noting that the sixth-round draft pick has impressed in rotational work.

Rubio, drafted out of Notre Dame, has stepped into defensive line snaps following injuries to Derrick Harmon and Sebastian Joseph-Day. Through 51 snaps this season, Rubio has recorded two run stops while earning a 56.3 overall grade from Pro Football Focus.

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Trai Essex Sees A Lot Of Former Steelers Super Bowl NT In Rookie Gabriel Rubio

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