The 2026 NFL Draft was one of the weaker groups in recent history, at least according to most media outlets. The quarterback class was lackluster, there was an overall lack of star talent at premium positions, and many of the top prospects had something about their game or physical profile that gave teams pause. Still, the Pittsburgh Steelers managed to come away with multiple high-upside prospects as well as a few "pro-ready" ones.
With 10 total players picked by the time the draft wrapped up, it's highly likely that at least a few of those selections will fail to make an impact in 2026, or potentially even make the team out of camp. This time of year is all about hope, however, so why not look on the bright side for each of these players?
Not every player's best-case scenario means filling a major role, but let's take a look at how well every Steelers draft pick's rookie season could turn out.
The best-case scenario for every Pittsburgh Steelers' 2026 draft pick during their rookie campaigns
First-round pick Max Iheanachor
We kick things off with Max Iheanachor, the Steelers' third offensive tackle drafted in the first round since general manager Omar Khan took over in 2023. The Arizona State standout has all the physical tools you could ever ask for in a high-end lineman, and he has a pro-ready build at nearly 6'6" and 321 pounds.
Despite being as gifted as they come, he is still relatively new to football and could use some time to develop before seeing the field. But what if he is simply the best performer in training camp? With Dylan Cook and an injured Broderick Jones as his only real competition, it's not hard to imagine a world where he begins the season as the starting right tackle and flourishes from there.
Second-round pick Germie Bernard
It may seem on the surface that Bernard's best possible outcome as a rookie is to settle in as the Steelers' third wide receiver. With DK Metcalf entering his second season in Pittsburgh and Michael Pittman Jr. coming over via trade with the Colts, it's easy to assume that they will be the top receivers, especially with Aaron Rodgers returning as the starting QB.
Perhaps I am a bit biased due to my pre-draft love for him as a prospect, but I don't think it's far-fetched to believe Bernard could crush expectations early in training camp and force the Steelers to make him a major part of the passing game. If that happens, and Rodgers signs off on him playing significant snaps, a 70+ catch, 800+ yard season isn't out of the question.
Third-round pick Drew Allar
Sorry to any Steelers fans who may want to see what Drew Allar can do in 2026, but a true redshirt season is far and away the best outcome for the young QB out of Penn State during his rookie season. He should be active in meetings, take every available rep he can get, and listen to everything Rodgers has to say (about football, at least).
Third-round pick Daylen Everette
Daylen Everette is yet another big, athletic cornerback prospect that Khan has prioritized during his time as GM, but his path to playing time is firmly blocked by multiple veterans currently. Barring major injuries to players ahead of him on the depth chart, his role could be limited to a handful of snaps here and there in nickel and dime packages.
His true best-case scenario may be as a standout special teamer, something that would earn him the respect of his teammates and coaches.
Third-round pick Gennings Dunker
Gennings Dunker is already looking like a fan favorite in Pittsburgh, and it only takes one look at the guy to see why. He is a big, bruising offensive lineman who fell farther in the draft than many expected, likely due to questions about his transition from tackle to guard at the NFL level.
His best outcome is very simple: prove his switch to guard is no big deal, and beat out Spencer Anderson and free-agent pickup Brock Hoffman for the starting right guard job. He is without a doubt the most physically imposing of the three, and his ability in the run game could give him the edge during training camp.
Fourth-round pick Kaden Wetjen
For kick returner/wide receiver Kaden Wetjen, the odds are already stacked against him in terms of returning (pun intended) value as a fourth-round pick. With almost no offensive production to speak of during his time at Iowa, Wetjen will need to become one of the best returners in the NFL immediately to justify his draft slot.
Luckily, the two-time Jet Award winner could certainly accomplish that as a rookie. If he can help the Steelers improve their average field position by a significant margin in 2026, fans may be able to look past how early he was selected.
Fifth-round pick Riley Nowakowski
Spoiler alert: Riley Nowakowski is the last player from this class that I feel extremely confident about making the roster. With that being said, his best outcome is to replace Conner Hayward as the team's fullback/backup tight end, with more juice as a ball carrier and blocker. His upside is rather limited, but his role is already well-defined and well within his ability to handle.
Sixth-round pick Gabriel Rubio
Gabriel Rubio was about as big a surprise as a sixth-round pick can be when the Steelers drafted him out of Notre Dame, mostly due to his lengthy injury history. Assuming he can stay healthy, though, his ceiling as a rookie is likely as a reserve interior defender and a likely inactive on gamedays. He has the size and strength to factor into the rotation at nose tackle down the line, but it may take him some time to get acclimated to the speed of the game after missing so much time in college.
Seventh-round pick Robert Spears-Jennings
Safety Robert Spears-Jennings is a classic height/weight/speed prospect that teams take a chance on late in the draft, and rightfully so. The Steelers are likely hoping that he can be the replacement for special teams ace Miles Killebrew, who followed former special teams coordinator Danny Smith to the Buccaneers in free agency.
Becoming the Steelers' next ace special teamer may be a lofty goal in 2026, but that would be his best potential outcome if he makes the roster.
Seventh-round pick Eli Heidenreich
Last, but certainly not least (for fans, at least), hometown kid Eli Heidenreich is one of the toughest players to settle on a best-case scenario for in this exercise. Not only is he a unique offensive weapon due to his role at Navy, but his path to a roster spot is congested at both running back and receiver.
Heidenreich's best plays in college came as a receiving threat, but he didn't run a traditional route tree or play a defined role that he can slide right into at the next level. His best outcome is likely as a reserve receiver and special teamer, but he may end up as a practice squad guy during his rookie season.
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