Tucked on the finish of a dreary night time at Acrisure Stadium, reflective of the Pittsburgh climate and the house staff’s efficiency, was a particular second. Rookie undrafted free agent outdoors linebacker Julius Welschof picked up his first NFL sack, taking down Buffalo Payments QB Ben DiNucci to offer the Steelers’ offense one final likelihood to win the sport.
Whereas Pittsburgh left with a defeat, Welschof left with a reminiscence. After the sport, his teammates couldn’t have been happier for him.
“He’s been working his tail off daily,” NT Keeanu Benton advised Steelers.com’s Missi Matthews post-game. “Seeing his progress from the primary day at camp to now’s wonderful. So simply rooting him on and ensuring he is aware of that he received it.”
Welschof made the essential play because the Payments tried to place the sport away, calling play-action as an alternative of working the ball on third down forward of the two-minute warning and nursing a six-point benefit. Welschof wasn’t fooled and made the cease.
Born and residing in Germany till he was a young person, Julius Welschof is the Steelers’ Worldwide participant, making him exempt from counting in opposition to the 90-man offseason roster or, ought to he make it, the staff’s 16-man follow squad. He successfully permits Pittsburgh to play one over the restrict and develop a rookie with out him costing a spot. Although Welschof wasn’t born in the USA, he spent a complete school profession domestically, enjoying his first 4 years at Michigan earlier than spending a fifth season at Charlotte. However he suffered a shoulder harm 4 video games, ending his season.
He rehabbed and received cleared to check at his Professional Day, placing up a strong three-cone time of simply over seven seconds regardless of his lengthy and lanky construct at 6065, 257 kilos. Undrafted, the Steelers scooped him as much as be a part of two different former Charlotte alums on protection in DL Larry Ogunjobi and EDGE Alex Highsmith, the latter serving as a mentor.
Welschof didn’t have an impactful summer time however performed the run laborious and labored off blocks. He was sturdy and out there, by no means lacking a follow, and soaked up reps after accidents to Kyron Johnson, Jeremiah Moon, and Alex Highsmith together with T.J. Watt’s relaxation days created further alternatives. Welschof logged 47 defensive snaps within the opener versus the Houston Texans although he didn’t register within the field rating.
Saturday night time was a distinct story. Irrespective of his future, he can say he sacked a quarterback at soccer’s highest stage. And given his work ethic, progress, and exemption, he’s a secure wager to stay on the Steelers’ follow squad all season.