Steelers rookie Kaden Wetjen stole the show in an unexpected way vs Packers

There is a lot to unpack from the Pittsburgh Steelers' 28-9 victory over the Green Bay Packers in Week 1 of the preseason, but the performance of their rookie class is the most important. Just about every rookie who played in the contest had their moments, most notably Drew Allar and his 155 total yards and three touchdowns to blow the game open in the second half.

The most surprising day by a 2026 draft pick, however, belonged to fourth-round return specialist Kaden Wetjen. After a handful of kick and punt returns that failed to produce much excitement, his debut was looking like a dud entering the middle of the third quarter.

Then, lightning struck.

Wetjen entered the game as a receiver, something he rarely did for Iowa (just 23 career receptions), and immediately stole the show with an electric catch-and-run for 74 yards on Allar's first career NFL throw.

It was an unexpected moment, to say the least. He would even add a short touchdown catch later in the game as well for his only other reception. More importantly, though, it provides some level of hope that Wetjen could become more than just a (hopefully) stellar return man.

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie Kaden Wetjen may have more to him as a receiver than anyone could have expected

I won't lie: I was very frustrated when the Steelers used the 121st pick on Wetjen. There were still plenty of players that I felt could be impactful down the line on either side of the ball, so drafting a special teamer that early seemed like a massive reach.

His performance on Thursday against the Packers wasn't enough to fully change my stance on that, but it does give life to the idea that he may be able to help out on offense as well. The skills that made him one of the best returners in recent college history should theoretically give him a chance to work as a slot receiver in the NFL, with his quickness and burst making him difficult to stay in front of.

It was just two catches, but they were both examples of what he could be as a receiver if things work out for him. His explosive speed and acceleration allowed him to break away on the 74-yarder, and his touchdown showed what happens if he is given even a little space to run away from defenders.

It's way too soon to get excited by a potential role for Wetjen on offense, but at least fans got to see proof of concept for what he may be able to offer at some point down the line.

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