The 2026 NFL Draft provided the Pittsburgh Steelers with an opportunity to improve upon their roster and address positional needs and team issues.
Under the leadership of their revamped coaching staff, Pittsburgh looked for talent to help them maintain their spot atop the AFC North.
Taking into account new head coach Mike McCarthy’s statement that the franchise is in “win-now” mode, there’s more pressure than ever.
However, this year’s draft class has sparked considerable discourse among fans and analysts worldwide.
The following is a breakdown of each player Pittsburgh drafted, including their background and potential contributions to the team:
1 [21] – Max Iheanachor (OT): Arizona State
Comparison: Ikem Ekwonu
Summary: The offensive line was arguably Pittsburgh’s top need heading into the draft, and they made it known by their first selection. Weighing at 321 pounds and standing at 6-foot-5, Max Iheanachor certainly wasn’t a bad pick to do it with. Allowing zero sacks and only three quarterback hits during his college season, there is a possibility Iheanachor is here to stay, even coming in as a likely immediate starter due to an injury sustained by Broderick Jones this offseason. The main point of criticism comes from many believing he wasn’t a first-round guy. Arguing that with talents such as Monroe Freeling and Spencer Fano in front of him, he could’ve fallen to the second or third round. Nonetheless, with a chip on his shoulder, hopefully, Iheanachor is here to stay.
Final Grade: C+
2 [47] – Germie Beranrd (WR): Alabama
Comparison: Jarvis Landry
Summary: With their next pick, Pittsburgh went after the position they had attempted to target in the first round in Germie Beranrd. Yet people have mentioned that Bernard isn’t the flashiest wide receiver, having only gone for 862 yards and seven touchdowns in his senior campaign. Fans have to realize that wasn’t exactly what Pittsburgh was searching for. Calvin Austin III departed the organization this offseason, leaving DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. as the cornerstones of the receiving corps. Needing a third-string receiver, it was a no-brainer pick with the talent left on the board for Pittsburgh. Especially while learning under Metcalf and Pittman, there is plenty of room left for Bernard to grow as a player.
Final Grade: B
3 [76] – Drew Allar (QB): Penn State
Comparison: Daniel Jones
Summary: Although a wide receiver can’t catch a pass without their quarterback, something that Pittsburgh is still unsure about heading towards training camp. Uncertainty over whether or not Aaron Rodgers will resign with the team is still apparent. This leaves Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and recent draftee Drew Allar, who threw for 1,100 yards and nine touchdowns before sustaining a season-ending ankle injury in October. Nevertheless, criticism has been raised regarding the pick due to Allar’s struggles in high-stakes situations. Allar struggles to perform under pressure. Hopefully, under the guidance of McCarthy, someone known as a “quarterback guru,” Allar develops into a franchise star for Pittsburgh.
Final Grade: D
3 [85] – Daylen Everette (CB): Georgia
Comparison: Charvarious Ward
Summary: A long-term project is also a phrase that can be used for Daylen Everette. Entering the league at average size for his position, while his combine performance reflects this sentiment, it’s a safe call for Pittsburgh to have him play behind Jamel Dean and Joey Porter Jr. in the depth chart. Everette lacks the aggression and on-field awareness to be a legitimate starter in the NFL. Certainly a reach, however, Pittsburgh seems to have a vision for the cornerback. Even at his former position, nickelback, where the team has an aging Jalen Ramsey at its starting spot, in the years to come, there will be plenty of opportunities for Everette to break out.
Final Grade: C+
3 [96] – Gennings Dunker (G): Iowa
Comparison: Mason McCormick
Summary: Luckily for Pittsburgh, size wasn’t a thing that they had to worry about with their next pick, Gennings Dunker. Becoming one of the talking points out of the NFL Combine due to his unique appearance, Dunker has garnered quite the fanbase in his few months in the spotlight. Despite that, Dunker’s college performances can also back up his hype, being a part of a Joe Moore Award-winning offensive line his senior season. As the Ginger Yinzer continues to ride his wave of momentum, he is sure looking to make the 31 other teams regret their mistake of not bringing him on to their roster.
Final Grade: A
4 [121] – Kaden Wetjen (WR): Iowa
Comparison: Jayden Reed
Summary: Switching over to Dunker’s college teammate comes Kaden Wetjen, who, unlike Dunker, has left fans of Pittsburgh torn. People have brought up an issue that could realistically apply to almost all of Pittsburgh’s draft picks this year. For a player who specializes in kick and punt returns, the fourth round was a bit of a reach. Although the NFL’s new kickoff rules are in full effect, Wetjen could be a major addition to the roster. Serving in the Swiss army knife role of the team’s receiving corps, in a brand-new offense, Pittsburgh may provide a prime opportunity for Wetjen to flourish.
Final Grade: B+
5 [169] – Riley Nowakowski (TE): Indiana
Comparison: Connor Heyward
Summary: However, none of the previous draft picks can be described as a national champion, unlike the 6-foot-2, 250 lb Riley Nowakowski. While not the most productive during his senior season, coming in alongside Darnell Washington and Pat Friermuth, he could create the most imposing tight end room in the entire NFL. Especially if Washington is not healthy come the start of the regular season, Nowakowski will have the perfect chance to grow under the veteran Friermuth. Ultimately, it will come down to only Nowakowski himself on whether his progression will meet Pittsburgh’s standards.
Final Grade: C
6 [210] – Gabriel Rubio (DT): Notre Dame
Comparison: Lawrence Guy
Summary: Entering the organization, bigger than anyone else thus far, is Gabriel Rubio. A second-generation player, known for his size and strength. In spite of his senior season getting cut short to only 6 games, Rubio still matches the nose tackle mold that Pittsburgh values. What Rubio’s main struggle will be is the already crowded defense Pittsburgh has. With so much talent signed to one team, it will be a challenge for Rubio to get reps other than practices. Gabriel’s drive and determination will decide whether he lives up to his father’s legacy or is let go once his rookie deal expires.
Final Grade: C
7 [224] – Robert Spears-Jennings (S): Georgia
Comparison: Tycen Anderson
Summary: On the contrary, Robert Spears-Jennings, whose strengths come in his speed and agility, even clocked a 4.32-second 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine, ranking second amongst safeties. With this achievement, many would wonder how Spears-Jennings fell to the 7th round. What the player lacks is awareness when playing from depth, with there being many examples of mis-timed plays on his tape. This often results in misreading the quarterback, leading to blown coverages or late reactions. Fans still hope that with the right coaching, Spears-Jennings can leverage his explosiveness into an NFL career.
Final Grade: C-
7 [230] – Eli Heidenrich (RB): Navy
Comparison: Christian McCaffrey
Summary: Lastly comes someone who didn’t have to travel too far from home to be drafted, as former Mount Lebanon Blue Devil Eli Heidenrich was Pittsburgh’s final choice. Coming in as a running back, wide receiver hybrid in college, Heidenrich brings a level of versatility not often found in the NFL, with many even calling him one of the biggest steals of the draft. Worries are still present regarding his route-running ability, yet with only one fumble during 1,138 offensive snaps in college, Heidenrich has proven he can be relied upon.
Final Grade: B+
The true test will lie in how these young talents develop and contribute to Pittsburgh as the 2026-27 NFL season quickly approaches.
However, it must be none that not only in football but in life, opportunities are earned, not handed to.
Now, the only question that remains is if any of these men will guide Pittsburgh to a 7th Super Bowl title come February?
