The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for their first preseason game of the year, and this season, their rookie draft class stands to play a pivotal role. In his first three drafts, general manager Omar Khan never had a draft pick who didn't make the 53-man roster.
If the same holds true this year, the Steelers' 2026 rookie class would account for nearly one-fifth of Pittsburgh's 53-man roster.
Though the team is looking to make one last-ditch effort at a deep playoff run with a handful of aging veterans, the Steelers will need to lean on rookies this year to be successful. Unfortunately, it hasn't been all smooth sailing for their rookie class at Steelers training camp, and these six rookies need to play as much as possible in the preseason opener on Thursday night against the Green Bay Packers.
These Pittsburgh Steelers need to play as many snaps as possible vs. the Green Bay Packers
Gennings Dunker
Several credentialed media members at Steelers training camp, including SI's Noah Strackbein, have noted the struggles of Gennings Dunker during practice. While Dunker has been a bully as a run blocker, the rookie right guard looks lost in pass protection.
Dunker is attempting to make a successful transition from right tackle at Iowa to right guard for the Steelers. Unfortunately, his progress isn't where he hoped it would be. Based on his size and athletic profile, some draft analysts believe Dunker can be one of the steals of the 2026 draft class, but he's going to have to show it in the preseason.
Dunker looks the part with a powerful frame and thick base, but he's going to have to prove himself in the preseason if he wants any shot at earning a starting role at some point this season. Dunker seems to be firmly behind veteran Spencer Anderson in the right guard race, and he needs to play as many snaps as possible to show he can handle a big role.
Drew Allar
If you were to only look at Drew Allar's highlight plays, you might think he's been the star of Steelers training camp. However, those in attendance know that hasn't been the case. The rookie quarterback still struggles with the nuances of the game—mechanics and accuracy on routine throws.
While he's obviously nowhere near ready to see the field in a starting capacity, we need to see signs of consistency from Allar. With four quarterbacks on the roster—and Mason Rudolph and Will Howard potentially going toe-to-toe for the QB2 job—it's hard to say how much action Allar will get.
If head coach Mike McCarthy is thinking beyond the 2026 season—and he should be—Allar will get every possible snap to showcase why he either can or can't be a potential long-term option at quarterback.
Gabriel Rubio
With a crowded defensive line group, Gabriel Rubio might have an uphill battle just to make the roster, let alone to carve out a role on defense. That's why he should see the field early and often against the Packers on Thursday night.
The Steelers already know what to expect from veteran defensive linemen Dean Lowry and Esezi Otomewo, but Rubio—the team's sixth-round pick—is still very much a mystery. How Rubio looks in the middle of the defense defending the run could determine whether he sticks around.
Kaden Wetjen
Kaden Wetjen's rookie training camp with the Pittsburgh Steelers has been concerningly quiet. And considering the team used a fourth-round draft pick to acquire him, fans have a right to be nervous about what he might offer.
Wetjen was a non-factor on offense during camp practices, which means he'll have to earn his keep on special teams. The problem is, there are only so many kick return and punt return reps to go around. Wetjen needs them all.
Additionally, the Steelers need to find out if the Iowa product can offer anything from the slot on offense, as Pittsburgh could be one injury away from inserting him onto the field as a wide receiver.
Germie Bernard
The Steelers didn't exactly get the electrifying start to training camp that fans hoped for with Germie Bernard. Instead, he's quietly been running as the fourth wide receiver and second-team slot receiver behind third-year wideout Roman Wilson.
With Michael Pittman Jr. banged up and DK Metcalf potentially resting for the preseason opener, Bernard could be handed a major opportunity to prove what he can do. Knowing that he stands to be a role player on offense this year, he needs to get up to speed as quickly as possible, and the Steelers should give him every snap he can handle on Thursday night.
Eli Heidenreich
At some point, being a fan-favorite with an inspiring backstory no longer matters if you can't prove yourself on the field. Eli Heidenreich is intriguing thanks to his rushing and receiving chops at Navy, but now's the time to show it.
Heidenreich has been dealing with a minor injury, but he's on track to play in the Steelers' first preseason game. As a seventh-round draft choice, Heidenreich is firmly on the roster bubble, and he needs every snap possible to make a splash and prove to the coaching staff that he's worthy of a roster spot.
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