Linebacker Mindset at the Tight End Position

by Bo Marchionte
@bomarchionte | College2Pro.com
Published June 5, 2025, 2:09 PM

Pittsburgh, PA – Uniqueness and versatility. Those are the buzzwords surrounding undrafted rookie tight end JJ Galbreath as he continues to make waves at Pittsburgh Steelers OTAs. Listed at 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds, Galbreath isn’t the prototypical inline bruiser like Heath Miller or Pat Freiermuth, but he’s quickly carving out his own identity one built on athleticism, grit, and a defensive mentality that belies the “hybrid” label often placed on his game.

If you’ve been on the sideline this spring, you’ve likely noticed No. 87. The ball finds him often and when it does, Galbreath rewards the trust. Contested grabs. Seam routes. Tough catches in traffic. He’s showing a vertical threat and overall fluidity in space in the tight end room in Pittsburgh. But don’t mistake finesse for fragility.

Originally recruited by South Dakota as an outside linebacker, Galbreath’s transition to tight end wasn’t born out of a dream to catch passes on Saturdays. It came down to opportunity and toughness. And he embraced both.

“I didn’t have any hesitation from the role,” Galbreath explained. “I went to their summer camp, and they offered me on the spot as an outside linebacker. A few months later, they called and said that spot was taken. They still wanted me, but it was a reduced scholarship at tight end. Fair enough. I was comfortable and excited to come into that position, and over time I was able to build up to that full scholarship as well.”

The position switch didn’t deter him it lit a fire. Galbreath brought a defender’s mindset into the offensive huddle. A guy who once thrived on blitzes and big hits now found purpose in blocking downfield, attacking his assignments with the same intensity he once used to shed blocks.

“My mentality was always more so a defensive mentality,” he said. “Just being able to go out there and hit people, drop into coverage, blitz — all that stuff. But through coaching and camps and being thrown into it, I felt like I was able to develop into a good receiver hybrid tight end type guy.”

That foundation was set in high school, where he starred as a linebacker but also sharpened his skills in seven-on-seven travel leagues. “My junior and senior year, I did a travel seven-on-seven football league, and that’s kind of where I developed a lot of my route running skills, receiver knowledge — all that kind of stuff.”

His final numbers at South Dakota won’t turn heads with 93 catches, 1,355 yards, and 12 touchdowns, but they don’t tell the whole story. South Dakota’s offense was run-heavy, ranking second in the Missouri Valley Football Conference in rushing during the 2024 season. When the Coyotes threw, Galbreath made it count. But just as importantly, he blocked. He didn’t just tolerate that part of the job he thrived in it.

I scouted him against Youngstown State this past season. No. 82 for South Dakota stood out not for a highlight-reel grab, but for the way he fought through contact to seal the edge on outside runs. He looked like a guy taking real pride in his role, whether or not the ball was coming his way. That too me is the grit of an undersized hybrid who plays with tenacity.

That same effort has shown up at OTAs. He’s not just catching passes. He’s showing that effort, that hunger, that grit — the kind of things that get noticed in film rooms by coaches looking for difference-makers on special teams and in tight personnel groupings. And when the ball does come his way, he’s answering the call with physical catches.

Sure, hybrid might describe his skill set. But don’t let that word fool you into thinking he’s finesse-first. Galbreath is built tough both mentally and physically. He’s earned everything through resilience, adjusting to position changes, reduced scholarships, and the uphill climb of being an undrafted free agent.

And he’s got the right mindset to keep climbing.

So yes, when coaches review the OTA footage and keep seeing No. 87 show up on big plays, it won’t be a mystery. JJ Galbreath is putting together a resume built on more than stats or labels. He’s offering the Steelers something rare: a versatile, athletic tight end with a linebacker’s heart.

And in Pittsburgh, that combination never goes out of style.

Photo Credit Frank Hyatt/College2Pro.com