Getting to know the Steelers 2025 UDFAs: Ben Sauls

After the Pittsburgh Steelers selected seven players in the 2025 NFL draft, they continued adding to the roster by coming to terms with seven undrafted free agents. With many draft profiles focusing on those players towards the top and middle of the NFL draft, it is time to get to take a look at these other members of the Pittsburgh Steelers who will have just as much opportunity to make the roster in 2025 as those who were selected in the draft, despite the more difficult path.

Remember, some draft profiles for these players are quite harsh as they are looking at them as a draftable prospect. Taking a flyer on an UDFA is a completely different story as many times the potential the player shows is what lands them on an NFL offseason roster.

Next up is kicker Ben Sauls from Pitt.

Ben Sauls

Kicker
Senior
Pittsburgh
5’9″; 182 lbs.

Playing five years add pit, but only appearing in one game his first season, Ben Sauls appeared in 53 games where he made 122 of 124 extra points for a 98.4% success rate and 52 of 64 field goals for an 81.3% success rate. Sauls both missed extra points came in his freshman season, so he was 119 of 119 over the last three seasons. Sauls was also 21 of 24 field goals in 2024 for an 87.5% accuracy with a 58-yard long.

Current Steelers at the position:

Kicker

• Chris Boswell
• Ben Sauls

Draft Profile

Here is a breakdown from nfldraftbuzz.com:

Draft Profile: Bio

The story of Ben Sauls is one of steady evolution from multi-sport athlete to elite collegiate specialist. A standout soccer player who led Tippecanoe High School to its first state championship, Sauls brought that same clutch mentality to the gridiron, setting school records with a booming 55-yard field goal and 43.5-yard punting average. Despite modest recruiting rankings as a two-star prospect, Sauls’ leg talent was evident early, earning him a shot at Pitt where he would eventually rewrite the record books.

After cutting his teeth as a kickoff specialist in 2021, Sauls exploded onto the scene in 2022 with a heroic Sun Bowl performance, drilling five field goals including a game-winning 47-yarder in brutal wind conditions. That clutch showing proved to be a harbinger of things to come, as Sauls would go on to establish himself as one of college football’s premier kickers. His 2024 campaign was nothing short of spectacular, connecting on 21-of-24 field goals including six from beyond 50 yards – a Pitt single-season record.

The Ohio native saved his best for last, matching the longest field goal in Panthers history with a 58-yard bomb against California that proved to be the difference in a nail-biting victory. Sauls finished his collegiate career with remarkable efficiency, drilling his final 15 consecutive attempts and establishing himself as the third-leading scorer in Pitt history with 278 points.

Scouting Report: Strengths

• Elite accuracy from long range, demonstrated by a perfect 6-for-7 mark beyond 50 yards in 2024 including multiple 57+ yard bombs in high-pressure situations
• Thrives in adverse conditions, showing remarkable composure kicking in Acrisure Stadium’s notorious wind tunnel and Pittsburgh’s unpredictable weather
• Exceptional trajectory control on field goals, generating ideal ball rotation that cuts through crosswinds and maintains accuracy on longer attempts
• Battle-tested mental toughness, evidenced by his Sun Bowl heroics and multiple game-winning kicks in one-score conference matchups
• Clean, repeatable mechanics featuring minimal wasted motion and consistent plant foot placement that enables reliable ball-striking
• Above-average athleticism for the position with descent speed providing emergency tackling ability on kickoff coverage when needed
• Strong kickoff resume with consistent hang time and placement, maintaining a 71% touchback rate despite kicking in challenging conditions
• Proven durability and reliability, handling all kicking duties for three straight seasons without missing time due to injury

Scouting Report: Weaknesses

• Slightly undersized frame at 5’10” and 185 pounds could raise concerns about leg fatigue over a full NFL season
• Experienced minor accuracy inconsistencies on intermediate kicks between 40-49 yards compared to his elite success rate from 50+
• Limited experience with high-pressure onside kick attempts, having rarely been in situations requiring this skill in college
• Below-average holder experience, potentially limiting emergency specialist versatility at the next level
• Occasional tendency to rush mechanics when under extreme pressure, leading to slightly pulled attempts to the left

Scouting Report: Summary

Sauls profiles as an NFL-ready kicker who should compete for a starting role immediately while offering considerable long-term upside. His remarkable success rate from distance and proven ability to thrive in adverse conditions make him particularly appealing to cold-weather teams seeking reliability in the kicking game. The Pittsburgh product brings an intriguing blend of soccer-style finesse and legitimate power, with the technical foundation to contribute from day one.

The most encouraging aspect of Sauls’ game is his mental toughness in crucial moments, exemplified by multiple game-winning kicks and clutch performances in bowl games. His experience kicking in the ACC’s most challenging venue provides valuable experience that should translate well to NFL environments, though consistency on intermediate kicks (40-49 yards) remains an area for continued refinement. His ability to maintain accuracy while generating elite power on longer attempts sets him apart from many prospects.

While his smaller frame bears monitoring, Sauls’ clean mechanics and proven collegiate track record suggest he’s ready for the NFL challenge. His impressive range and clutch performance history make him worth a day three investment for teams seeking an immediate contributor at the position. He has the potential to become a reliable long-term solution in the kicking game.

Film

To finish things off, let’s take a look at the film…