Steelers Have A Big Time Exciting German Born UDFA: "He's Putting It On Tape Everyday"

The Pittsburgh Steelers love looking at smaller schools to find quality talent. Under Head Coach Mike Tomlin, the team has brought in several players from Group of Five schools, including Antonio Brown and Alex Highsmith. The philosophy has been as long as a player works their hardest and produces, it doesn't matter what school they attended.

For one of the newer faces the organization has brought in this offseason, the hope is that the trend of talent continues for his stint in Pittsburgh. German born Julius Welschof, who has yet to play a snap at the professional level in his career, signed with the Steelers as an undrafted free agent this offseason. 

Though he's had a rough collegiate career to get him to the professional level, his intelligence and work ethic have stood out in the Steel City, earning him the respect of his coaches. In an interview with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Outside Linebackers Coach Denzel Martin praised the effort from Welschof during Steelers' offseason activities. 

"Yes, it is fun [working with a 27 year old rookie]. Julius is really - you should see him. He's up in my office early mornings trying to get everything he can out of this experience. He takes it so serious, and it's so fun to coach a guy like that. If you watch him out here, he's getting better. The things we are asking him to do in individuals, he's putting it on tape everyday, and that's all we can ask for."

Several players have come from other countries to make a name for themselves at the NFL level. Players like Australian-born Jordan Mailata utilized his opportunity with the Philadelphia Eagles to become one of the best offensive lineman in the game. It certainly isn't easy, but players like Mailata have shown the example that the dream is attainable if you're willing to work for it. 

The Steelers Are A Perfect Fit For Welschof

The Steelers hit on the last player they signed from Charlotte in Highsmith, so what's to say they can't do it twice? Before Charlotte, Welschof played at Michigan for four seasons under Jim Harbaugh where he was a two-time Academic All-Big Ten selection. Despite the success in the classroom, Welschof was never able to make a difference on the field for Big Blue, posting 23 total tackles in four seasons to go along with 0.5 a sack recorded in 2020.

Following the 2022 season, Welschof utilized his extra year of eligibility to transfer to Charlotte, where he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury after four games. The starting defensive end would finish the season with four tackles and two quarterback hits, to go along with an appearance on the Athletic Director's Academic List in the spring of 2023. 

Now a rookie in the NFL at the age of 27, and coming off a rather forgettable college career, Welschof is hoping to use his time with the Steelers as a springboard to success in the NFL. Welschof is listed on the Steelers' depth chart as an outside linebacker, which is different than his defensive line spot in college. At 6-6, 265lbs, Welschof can become a mismatch using his 4.82 speed to his advantage. He doesn't project to be an instant difference-maker right away, but if he's willing to learn, can develop into a solid role player in Pittsburgh.

The hybrid defensive lineman and outside linebacker role compares similarly to how the Steelers have developed DeMarvin Leal; a player who is physical enough to rush the passer, and stay on the defensive line to eat up blocks. When it comes to undrafted rookies, usually, there is plenty of positional flexibility in an effort to secure a place on the roster. 

The Steelers have needs on the defensive line with the lack of moves made to bolster the position this offseason. This, coupled with the ability to work as an edge rusher, presents a golden chance for Welschof to stick around on the Steelers' active roster or practice squad. With several months between now and final cuts prior to the regular season, Welschof will need to continue to learn and work to be a Pittsburgh Steelers defender this season. 

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