Day 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft was not kind to the Pittsburgh Steelers, as they were on the phone with Makai Lemon when the Philadelphia Eagles sniped him. Pittsburgh grabbed Max Ihecanahor at No. 21 as they continue to reinvest in their offensive line. But after a wild Thursday night, the Steelers bounced back in a big way in Round 2 at pick No. 47.
After the trade up with the Indianapolis Colts, the Steelers selected Germie Bernard, the wide receiver from Alabama. And that makes a ton of sense after missing out on Lemon at pick No. 21.
The Pittsburgh Steelers steal Bernard at pick No. 47
Bernard is a perfect fit in Mike McCarthy’s offense as he can play in the slot and on the outside. He was the last receiver in this draft with that ability, especially with his size and athleticism. Here is what we have to say about the player coming into the class:
"Germie Bernard isn't the splashiest or sexiest receiver in the class, but he does all of the dirty work that most don't see. He projects as a high-end No. 3 WR who can block and is a reliable option over the middle of the field. And the fact that he can play multiple positions should endear him to coaching staffs."
The Steelers have done some major work to their wide receiver room this offseason, adding Michael Pittman Jr and then, of course, trading for DK Metcalf in 2025. Bernard should be a Day 1 starter for the Steelers right away as Pittsburgh continues to try to rebuild its offense.
Though he might not have a defining trait, Bernard has excellent hands with a well-rounded skill set. He has the versitility to play from the slot, which is why he's such a good fit in McCarthy's offense.
Pittsburgh still has three third-round picks available to them later on Day 2, so expect them to use those picks on defense. But after the first two rounds, the Steelers have dramatically rebuilt their offense. Good work here by Omar Khan and company.
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