The Pittsburgh Steelers added 10 new players to their roster through the 2026 Draft, and their class had some of everything. Pittsburgh added a universally loved pick like Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard, but the team followed that up with the polarizing selection of Penn State quarterback Drew Allar in the third round. Overall, the Steelers put together a group that should address the team’s biggest needs.
Still, one of the best decisions the franchise made in the draft was avoiding the temptation to pick a specific prospect. In the first round of the draft, when the Steelers were about to pick at 21, they had their sights set on USC wide receiver Makai Lemon. Of course, the Philadelphia Eagles famously jumped in front of them and snatched the wideout from their grasp.
Pittsburgh could’ve been determined to stick with a receiver at 21 and select a wideout like Washington's Denzel Boston, who was projected to go in that range. However, that could’ve been a problematic selection for the Steelers, so it’s good the franchise avoided that temptation.
The Pittsburgh Steelers were right to pass on wide receiver Denzel Boston in the draft
Boston ultimately went to the Cleveland Browns at pick 39, so he could give Pittsburgh fits twice a year during his time in Cleveland. Still, it was the right decision for the Steelers to pass on him. The reason why is the current build of the team’s wide receiver room.
Entering the draft, Pittsburgh’s top two wideouts were DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. Both are 6-foot-4 receivers over 200 pounds, who play very physical at the position. Denzel Boston is also a 6-foot-4 receiver with a physical play style, so adding him to the Steelers’ wide receiver room wouldn’t have given the team much wide receiver diversity.
Instead, Pittsburgh was able to get Arizona State tackle Max Iheanachor and wait until the second round to select Germie Bernard. At 6-foot-1, 206 pounds, Bernard gives the Steelers a different type of receiver. He’s smaller and more agile than Metcalf and Pittman, and has the ability to line up in the slot and outside. However, he’s still a tough and durable receiver who’s made for AFC North football.
Because the Steelers didn’t feel forced to take a wide receiver in the first round, they will be able to line Germie Bernard up alongside DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr.
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