The Steelers' 2026 Draft Class: A Tale of Potential and Patience
The NFL Draft is always a fascinating exercise in hope and speculation. Teams invest in young talent, fans dream of instant impact, and analysts like me try to predict who’ll shine—and when. The Steelers’ 2026 draft class is a particularly intriguing bunch, not because they’re guaranteed stars, but because their paths to playing time are anything but straightforward. With 10 picks in the bag, the question isn’t just who will play, but how and why. Let’s dive into the roster, but with a twist: I’m not just ranking these players; I’m unpacking the stories behind their potential—and the pitfalls they might face.
The Offensive Line: Where Experience Meets Opportunity
One thing that immediately stands out is the Steelers’ focus on the offensive line. Gennings Dunker, a fifth-round pick, is already generating buzz as a potential starter at right guard. What makes this particularly fascinating is his background. Coming from Iowa, a program renowned for producing NFL-ready linemen, Dunker has the pedigree to make an immediate impact. But here’s the catch: he’s transitioning from right tackle to guard. Personally, I think this move could be a game-changer for him. It’s a smaller adjustment than it seems, and his experience at Iowa—where he briefly played guard—gives him a leg up.
Now, compare him to Max Iheanachor, the first-round pick. Iheanachor is raw, and while his long-term potential is undeniable, the Steelers might not rush him into the lineup. Dylan Cook’s solid performance in 2025 and Broderick Jones’s presence mean Iheanachor has time to develop. What many people don’t realize is that the Steelers initially planned to draft a wide receiver with that pick. That tells me they’re not desperate for an immediate fix at tackle. If you take a step back and think about it, this draft class is as much about the future as it is about the present.
Skill Positions: The Balancing Act
Germie Bernard, the second-round receiver, is another player to watch. He’s NFL-ready, versatile, and fits perfectly into Mike McCarthy’s 11-personnel scheme. But here’s the kicker: he’s playing behind DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. Unless there’s an injury, Bernard’s role will likely be as a rotational player—at least initially. What this really suggests is that the Steelers are building depth, not just looking for starters.
Kaden Wetjen, on the other hand, could be a special teams standout from day one. His return abilities alone make him a lock for the roster, but McCarthy’s history of using returners offensively (think KaVontae Turpin) means Wetjen could surprise us. A detail that I find especially interesting is his potential to carve out a niche role in the offense, even if it’s not as a traditional receiver.
Defense: The Long Game
Daylen Everette and Robert Spears-Jennings are both athletic freaks, but their paths to playing time are different. Everette, a third-round corner, has the draft capital to make the roster, but the Steelers’ secondary is stacked. Joey Porter Jr., Jamel Dean, and Jalen Ramsey aren’t going anywhere. Everette’s best bet for snaps in 2026 is on special teams, where his speed could make him a standout gunner.
Spears-Jennings, a seventh-round safety, faces longer odds. The Steelers’ safety room isn’t deep, but making the roster is just the first hurdle. His athleticism is undeniable, but unless there’s an injury, his impact will likely be limited to special teams—if he makes the cut at all.
The Wild Cards: Nowakowski, Rubio, and Heidenreich
Riley Nowakowski, a fifth-round fullback/tight end hybrid, could be a sleeper. McCarthy’s history with fullbacks (Hunter Luepke in Dallas) suggests Nowakowski could see significant snaps, especially if he proves himself on special teams. What many people don’t realize is that versatility like his is rare in today’s NFL, and it could be his ticket to playing time.
Gabriel Rubio, a late-round defensive end, faces an uphill battle. The Steelers’ defensive line is crowded, but his run-stuffing ability could earn him a spot—and maybe even some snaps—if he impresses in camp.
Eli Heidenreich, a running back/receiver hybrid, might be the longest shot of all. The Steelers’ backfield and receiver room are crowded, and his best-case scenario is probably the practice squad. But here’s the thing: players like him often find ways to stick around. If you take a step back and think about it, versatility like his is hard to ignore, even if it doesn’t translate to immediate playing time.
The Quarterback Question: Drew Allar’s Waiting Game
Drew Allar, the third-round quarterback, is the most intriguing pick of the bunch. McCarthy is reworking his mechanics, which tells me the Steelers are playing the long game. With Aaron Rodgers under center and Mason Rudolph or Will Howard as backups, Allar’s 2026 season will likely be a redshirt year. But what makes this particularly fascinating is the potential for a late-season appearance if things go sideways. Personally, I think Allar’s development is the most important storyline of this draft class—even if we don’t see him much in 2026.
The Bigger Picture: Building for the Future
If there’s one takeaway from this draft class, it’s that the Steelers are thinking long-term. Only a few rookies—Dunker, Bernard, and maybe Wetjen—are likely to see significant snaps in 2026. The rest are projects, depth pieces, or special teamers. This raises a deeper question: Are the Steelers sacrificing immediate impact for future success? In my opinion, they are—and it’s a smart move. The NFL is a league of attrition, and having a deep, versatile roster is key to sustained success.
What this really suggests is that 2026 might not be the year we see these rookies shine, but it could be the foundation for something special down the road. From my perspective, that’s what makes this draft class so interesting. It’s not about who plays now, but who could be starting in 2028 or 2029. And in a league where patience is often rewarded, the Steelers might just be onto something.
