Pittsburgh, PA – July 22, 2025
There’s always that one player. The underdog no one circles on the depth chart. The name even the most die-hard fans skip over. But when the pads come on and the lights heat up Latrobe, everything changes. This year, Pittsburgh might already know who that player is—he just hasn’t made his NFL debut yet.
Steelers training camp is shaping up to be a battlefield, especially at one of the deepest positions on the team: EDGE rusher. The first three spots are locked in with T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Nick Herbig. Even rookie Jack Sawyer looks to be a comfortable fit. But there’s still room for disruption. There’s still room for magic.
And that’s where he steps in—Julius Welschof.
The German-born pass-rusher made noise last preseason with 3 sacks—tied for second-most in the league. His blend of size, raw strength, and surprising bend made evaluators look twice. Unfortunately, a knee injury halted his 2023 journey before it could fully begin. But now? He’s back, and he’s coming with something to prove.
"I’ve watched from the sideline long enough. I’m not here for a feel-good story. I’m here to take a job. That’s what camp is about—earning what no one wants to give you."
That quote sums up the quiet fire Welschof brings to a crowded room. Most undrafted rookies fade into the background. He didn’t. Most injury returners struggle to regain trust. He’s already earned reps. The Steelers have shown in recent years that they’ll break tradition for talent, and if Welschof flashes again—say, with another 3-sack preseason performance—he won’t just survive cuts. He’ll force them.
Keep in mind: Pittsburgh typically keeps four EDGE defenders. But if this under-the-radar force continues terrorizing backfields, the team may have to break the mold and carry five. If not, another team will snatch him immediately—his tape doesn’t lie.
Training camp is filled with whispers. Who’s rising, who’s slipping, who’s coming out of nowhere. Right now, the loudest whispers in Latrobe are about a pass-rusher from Germany who just might steal a job—and rewrite his story in black and gold.
Stay tuned to ESPN!
