The Pittsburgh Steelers made 10 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. It turned into a surprising affair, as the team went off script from how they had drafted under general manager Omar Khan.
There were certainly a few highs, but there were also a lot of lows from the weekend.
While initial grades are just that, initial and subject to change, it provides an overview of the perceived fit, value, and potential in the pros. These grades will shift and change as these players settle into their NFL jobs.
With that said, here are my grades for the Steelers draft class.
Pittsburgh Steelers receive muted grades for 2026 NFL Draft Class
Steelers 1st Round Pick: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
Like most fans, I was shocked when Max Iheanachor was announced as the pick for the Steelers. This is why I wait to provide my draft grades, though. My initial reaction was an overreaction, and the rest of the draft fell into place, providing better context for why he was the pick.
The Steelers are betting on upside with Iheanachor. He is newer to the game of football, as he picked up the sport in college. He has the prototypical frame you want in a tackle, clean footwork, and has consistently gotten better year over year.
My concerns are with how he will be used. He was used exclusively as a right tackle at Arizona State, and Troy Fautanu has developed into a steady presence there. I hate the idea of moving Fautanu in order for Iheanachor to get on the field. I’m even more concerned with trying to force Iheanachor to play on the left side.
That said, the vision seems clear for the team. Iheanachor may have a redshirt year, which would do him good given his raw nature. The coaching staff can get him up to speed, assuming Dylan Cook/Broderick Jones can start on the left side this year.
Value-wise, I think this was a fair pick. In a normal draft, Iheanachor is likely a second-round pick, but this draft was lacking top-end talent. I wouldn’t consider this a value pick by any means, but it certainly wasn’t a massive reach either.
I’ll also note that while I hate the embarrassment of the Steelers calling Makai Lemon when the Eagles jumped them, I actually like the result of getting Iheanachor. It is still a bad look by the team, but we got a good player despite it.
I like the pick. I think we have the right coaching staff in place to develop Iheanachor, and even if he doesn’t start year one (which is what I’m personally hoping for), he should solidify the line long-term. My biggest gripe is his being a right-side guy, as that could potentially force too many pieces to move around to accommodate him.
Grade: B-
Steelers 2nd Round Pick: Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
A pick I predicted in my final mock draft, Germie Bernard was the target. It took a small trade-up, but I would argue that the move was well worth it.
Bernard doesn’t feel like a guy who will ever ascend into a true top receiver. Instead, he feels like a steady second option for an offense that, when needed, the offense can run through. Think Jarvis Landry — a productive pro who could rack up receptions but was never counted on to be the guy for a team.
He runs sharp routes, has soft hands, and can make plays after the catch. The offense needed a weapon like that, especially with two bigger outside options in front of him.
On the negative side, besides his ceiling, I don’t think his athletic testing matches what he shows on tape. That said, in this offense, it doesn’t need to.
The value was right, this seemed like the right range, and he has a clear path to playing for this team. This was a solid way to start day two of the draft.
Grade: A
Steelers 3rd Round Pick: Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
I gave an audible “Ugh” when Drew Allar was announced as the Steelers' pick. I don’t dislike the player, but this felt like a round too early for him.
What you are betting on with Allar is his massive arm. He has the best cannon in this draft class. Besides that, he is a mess. Mechanically, he is a disaster, and he has struggled to read defenses at times.
You are betting on Mike McCarthy to be able to develop this guy. If he can clean him up, you could have a very good starter on your hands. More than likely though, Allar fails to ascend past a developmental option.
As stated, value-wise, this wasn’t a great pick. I thought late third/early fourth made more sense for Allar, given his struggles. I’m also not keen on what this means for Will Howard. Assuming Aaron Rodgers returns, I’m not sure this team carries two unproven options behind him.
Grade: D
Steelers 3rd Round Pick: Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia
After a lot of back and forth, I think Daylen Everette is my least favorite pick from this draft class. He is a traits pick, as he has the frame, athleticism, and potential to become a good starter, but he has failed to put the pieces together at Georgia.
On the plus side, we have seen flashes of a great starter in Everette. He is a willing tackler and can run all over a defense while making plays. Despite his size, he may be able to shift to the slot as a pro.
On the negative side, Everette is extremely raw and makes a lot of mistakes. He needs a lot of development despite playing a lot of snaps for the Bulldogs. He has time to learn, as he will sit and learn behind Jamel Dean for the first year. I’m just not sure you can correct enough of his mistakes.
Grade: D-
Steelers 3rd Round Pick: Gennings Dunker, IOL, Iowa
From least favorite to favorite, Gennings Dunker just looks like a nasty offensive guard. While he played tackle in college, his lack of athleticism and inability to take on twitchy edge rushers will push him inside to guard.
He is a classic mauler who bullies people in the run game. His pass blocking is worse, but moving inside could alleviate some of his biggest flaws. His ceiling doesn’t feel like it is insanely high, but a potential Pro Bowl guard is within reach.
The value was great. Many had Dunker going at the end of round two, so landing him this late was a great value. He could be a plug-and-play starter at guard and finally complete the offensive line rebuild we have been waiting for.
Grade: A+
Steelers 4th Round Pick: Kaden Wetjen, WR/KR, Iowa
On one hand, the Steelers had been in the cellar in terms of kick and punt return production for a long time. On the other hand, using a fourth-round pick on Kaden Wetjen seems rich.
While he is prolific as both a punt and kick returner, using such a high pick on a player that provides you with next to nothing on offense is a massive risk. In my opinion, he will need to be a top ten returner this year to justify the pick.
While the hope is that he can develop into an offensive weapon in time, his grade starts and stops with his ability as a return man. That seems like a reach in round four, and if he struggles to adapt to the pros, this could be a massive bust.
Grade: D-
Steelers 5th Round Pick: Riley Nowakowski, FB/TE, Indiana
This is quietly one of my favorite picks in this draft class. While landing a fullback/reserve tight end in the fifth round won’t stop the presses, Riley Nowakowski is a gritty player who should have an instant impact for this team.
The Steelers announced him as a fullback, which should be his primary role, but I think he could also serve as the third tight end if no other option materializes. He is a quietly dependable receiving threat and an aggressive blocker.
My concern is that he doesn’t have a lot of experience on special teams. Someone like Nowakowski needs to shine there. That said, he can have a role on offense immediately and wear a lot of hats.
Grade: B
Steelers 6th Round Pick: Gabriel Rubio, DE, Notre Dame
Another player that had I done immediate grades, I would have failed due to not knowing a single thing about him. However, after reviewing his tape and ability, I don’t hate this pick and can see the logic behind him.
What Gabriel Rubio provides you is a stout run defender. He was rarely moved off his spot at Notre Dame. Add in his prototypical frame, and the reasoning behind the Steelers' picking him is clear.
The issue lies in his value (no one had Rubio as a draftable prospect) and his injury history. He spent a long time at Notre Dame, but didn’t play a lot of snaps compared to how long he was there. He also offers nothing as a pass rusher.
I like the player, but feel like he still would have been better served as an undrafted option instead of a draft pick.
Grade: D+
Steelers 7th Round Pick: Robert Spears-Jennings, DB, Oklahoma
A name that wasn’t commonly linked to the Steelers, Robert Spears-Jennings looks the part of a safety with a great build and good athleticism. With his ability to instantly serve as a special teams piece and the potential to be a defensive player in time, there is a lot to like here.
He is an aggressive and a big hitter, setting the tone on defense. He is extremely well-versed on special teams. Beyond that, his game is extremely raw, and he shouldn’t be on defense anytime soon.
His path to the team is special teams first and foremost, which can buy him time as a contributor on defense. Most expected him to go earlier in the draft, so the value was great. Even if he only ever becomes a special teams player, that is still fine value in the seventh round.
Grade: A
Steelers 7th Round Pick: Eli Heidenreich, RB, Navy
A feel-good story, Navy prospect Eli Heidenreich gets his shot to start his NFL career in his hometown. This is more than just a homer pick, though, as Heidenreich has a lot of traits that make him an intriguing player.
Used as a hybrid running back and receiver in school, Heidenreich shined at Navy. Known for making big plays, he does his best work in space with the ability to make multiple guys miss. He also has special teams ability, both as a returner and coverage option.
There is a real concern about how he will translate to the field. Players like this need a specific plan in place, but if you use him right, Heidenreich can be a great gadget player. This feels like good value on top of it and a strong way to end this class.
Grade: A-
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