UDFA David Perales Impressing Steelers Star LB

The Pittsburgh Steelers could have a diamond in the rough with David Perales.

LATROBE -- The Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebackers appear ready for an unbelievable season. With Alex Highsmith looking better than ever, and T.J. Watt being, well, T.J. Watt, the top of the group is as strong as ever. Add in veteran backup Markus Golden and impressive rookie Nick Herbig, and the ground rounds out well. 

Then, there's the undrafted rookie - who is also impressing.

David Perales got the call from the Steelers about 30 minutes before the NFL Draft ended. He knew immediately Pittsburgh was the place he needed to be, and the defense he fit the best in the NFL. 

"This is the perfect location for me and my style of football," Perales said. "Obviously, those two leaders in the room. There wouldn't have been a better place for me to come in and learn."

He joined the Steelers after three seasons at Fresno State with a pretty appealing resume. In 33 games, he recorded 38 tackles for loss and 23 sacks, including 11.5 sacks his senior season. 

Now, he's looking to take that college success and turn it into a strong training camp. 

"I've always been an underdog," Perales said. "Came out of high school with no offers. Went to junior college. Went to [Sacramento State] and then Fresno State. Had a lot of adversity. I'm used to it. Nothing has changed. I just try to come out here to try and do my very best.

"You've just got a compete with yourself," he continued. "Just become a better player everyday. Soak in everything. No matter what position you're in, you've got to keep on grinding."

And he's caught the eye of a pretty big name. Former Defensive Player of the Year, T.J. Watt, didn't hold back when talking about the undrafted rookie and the growth he's seen since he joined the team this spring. 

"I think it's just getting comfortable," Watt said about Perales and fellow rookie Toby Ndukwe. "Whether it's using your speed, your get off or getting your hands or your footwork at the top of the rush. Just being sponges and learning as much as they possibly can. It's cool to see the transition from OTAs and the first days here. To see to apply what they've been learning on the practice field."

Perales has a steep hill to climb before making the Steelers' 53-man roster, but he's got great teachers to help him get there. 

"Just trying to be a sponge. Trying to take in everything from those two guys at the position and obviously [Markus Golden] coming in with all his experience," Perales said. "I always pick their brains every chance I get. After every rep I ask them what I could've did to make it better. Those guy make me a better player for sure." 

Over the next three weeks, he's got to put it on the field. Luckily, for him, if there was an NFL team that thrives off sleeper defenders, it's the Steelers. 

Make sure you bookmark All Steelers for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

Kenny Robinson Shooting Up Steelers Depth Chart

Steelers LB Looks Like a Superstar

Steelers Named Worst Behaved Team in NFL

Kwon Alexander Looks Like Steelers Best LB

Steelers Add Three More Injuries at Training Camp

Steelers Sign Two DBs After Cory Trice Injury

• Subscribe to the All Steelers YouTube Channel