The Pittsburgh Steelers experienced an up-and-down 2026 NFL Draft. While they made several strong selections, they also missed out on some highly regarded prospects. Instead, Pittsburgh opted for players who were not valued as highly on most draft boards, particularly in ESPN’s rankings. Some of the team’s decisions were puzzling, though a few picks still received strong overall grades.
As you’ll see in the grades section of this article, the Steelers took several gambles throughout the draft.
The organization chose to trust its scouting department and coaching staff over the public consensus surrounding certain picks. If those risks fail to pay off, this class could rank among the team’s weakest since 2022. Ultimately, only time will determine how successful this draft class becomes.
Pittsburgh Steelers 2026 NFL Draft class might be the riskiest group of rookies in years
Round 1 | Pick 21: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
Missing out on Makai Lemon certainly left a sour taste among Steelers Nation with this top selection.
That said, Max Iheanachor has the potential to develop into a solid NFL starter. While he was considered a reach at this spot, he was one of the few dependable offensive tackles still available and likely would not have lasted until Round 2. The biggest question surrounding Iheanachor is where he will fit into the Steelers’ offensive line.
Round 2 | Pick 47 (via IND): Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
After failing to trade up for Lemon in Round 1, the Steelers responded by getting aggressive and moving up for Germie Bernard. While the decision initially appeared to be a desperation move by general manager Omar Khan, Bernard turned out to be a solid addition. Pittsburgh did not have to give up much in the trade and got solid value at a massive position of need at the NFL Draft.
Round 3 | Pick 76 (via DAL): Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
Most observers expected the Steelers to consider a quarterback with one of their third-round picks, and they used their earliest one on Drew Allar. The reaction may have been more favorable if the selection came later on Day 2, but at this spot, it felt like a significant reach.
Allar is a developmental quarterback with several notable flaws, making this an aggressive gamble by the Steelers in the draft.
Round 3 | Pick 85: Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia
While there were other, more enticing options on the board, Daylen Everette was a solid selection. He is a highly athletic cornerback capable of playing both inside and outside. Everette is a smart player, and although he was a slight reach at this stage of the draft, it was not egregious. He fills a clear need at cornerback and gives the Steelers a young player who could contribute right away.
Round 3 | Pick 96 (via SEA): Gennings Dunker, OG, Iowa
The best pick of the Steelers’ 2026 draft class appears to be Gennings Dunker. On paper, he offers the ideal blend of value, positional need, and scheme fit. Many evaluators projected Dunker to come off the board in the top half of the second round, but he slid to the latter part of the third. The Steelers capitalized by trading up three spots to secure him, and the move required minimal compensation.
Round 4 | Pick 121: Kaden Wetjen, WR/RET, Iowa
The Steelers shifted from one of their best selections in Dunker to potentially one of their worst with Kaden Wetjen.
Primarily known as a return specialist, Wetjen did show flashes as a receiver during an exceptional week at the East–West Shrine Bowl. While he is an explosive threat in the return game, selecting him in the fourth round is puzzling. ESPN ranked Wetjen as the 252nd overall prospect, yet Pittsburgh selected him at pick No. 121.
Round 5 | Pick 169: Riley Nowakowski, TE, Indiana
This was a solid piece of business by the Steelers. While the pick lacks flash, they added a versatile tight end who can also line up at fullback and contribute on special teams. Riley Nowakowski was an unsung hero at Indiana during its run to a National Championship. Nowakowski fits the mold that Mike McCarthy values, and he projects as a player who could carve out a reliable NFL career.
Round 6 | Pick 210 (via LAR): Gabriel Rubio, DT, Notre Dame
This was not only the most puzzling selection made by the Steelers, but potentially one of the most questionable picks in the entire NFL Draft.
Gabriel Rubio was largely off the radar entering the event and did not appear in ESPN’s prospect rankings. Pittsburgh selected a player widely expected to go undrafted, doing so in the sixth round. Given Rubio’s inability to stay healthy throughout his college career, this choice carries significant risk and could ultimately prove to be a wasted pick.
Round 7 | Pick 224: Robert Spears-Jennings, S, Oklahoma
After the puzzling selection in Round 6, the Steelers got back to business by drafting Robert Spears-Jennings. He may not stand out immediately on Day 1, but the young safety has a legitimate shot to compete for a roster spot. Pittsburgh found excellent value by selecting Spears-Jennings 54 picks later than his projected draft range. He brings physicality on defense and special teams.
Round 7 | Pick 230: Eli Heidenreich, RB/WR, Navy
It was a great moment to see a local Pittsburgh native attend the draft in person, in his hometown, and be selected by the Steelers in front of their fans.
It was one of the more special moments of the event, and Eli Heidenreich deserved the recognition. He is a versatile offensive piece who could be used in multiple roles, though he faces an uphill battle to secure a roster spot. That said, the Steelers selected Heidenreich right around his projected draft range.
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