The 2026 NFL Draft class for the Pittsburgh Steelers is an intriguing bunch, with a mix of potential starters and players who might have to wait their turn. While some rookies are expected to make an immediate impact, others may have to bide their time and develop behind established veterans. Here's a look at the class, ranked by their chances of playing significant snaps in their rookie season, along with my personal commentary and analysis.
1. OG Gennings Dunker: The Early Starter
Dunker is a former right tackle from Iowa, and I believe he has the potential to become a full-time starter at right guard earlier than expected. His position switch to guard is a smart move, and his experience at the position during his college career will be an asset. What makes this particularly fascinating is that Dunker is coming from one of the finest offensive line factories in college football. I think he'll be making the starting lineup sooner than later, and his high snap counts will follow. Personally, I think he'll be the team's fifth draft selection in 2026, and he'll contribute more than any other rookie in Year 1.
2. WR Germie Bernard: The Versatile Skill Set
Bernard has a versatile skill set and should slot in quickly as the team's primary WR3. New head coach Mike McCarthy will likely use more 11 personnel than his predecessor, which means Bernard will see the field early and often. What many people don't realize is that Bernard's ability to play multiple positions will make him a valuable asset to the team. I think he'll be a key contributor in the Steelers' offense, and his NFL-ready status will make him a quick learner.
3. OT Max Iheanachor: The Long-Term Plan
Iheanachor is a first-round pick with a long-term plan to be Pittsburgh's right tackle of the future. However, there are a few obstacles in his way, including the fact that he's still fairly new to football and the team might not rush him into the starting lineup too early. I think he'll see the starting lineup at some point, but I don't expect Pittsburgh to rush the process given the other options available. From my perspective, Iheanachor's development will be a key factor in the team's success in the coming years.
4. FB/TE Riley Nowakowski: The Versatile Fullback
Nowakowski has the ability to play tight end, which gives him more opportunities to contribute for the Steelers in 2026. While he might not be a featured player at fullback early on, his versatility will make him a valuable asset to the team. I think he'll see the field on special teams and in short-yardage situations, and his ability to play multiple positions will make him a key contributor in the future.
5. WR/KR Kaden Wetjen: The Special Teams Ace
Wetjen has the special teams prowess to earn him some snaps in Week 1, and as a roster active, he will likely rotate in on offense occasionally. What makes this especially interesting is that McCarthy used an All-Pro returner as a frequent contributor in the Dallas offense. If Wetjen impresses enough, he'll get more playing time. I think he'll be a key contributor on special teams and a potential weapon on offense if he develops well.
6. CB Daylen Everette: The Defensive Back
Everette has by far the best roster odds as a third-round pick, and the team likely sees him as a starter down the road. However, defensive snaps will be hard to come by early behind established veterans. I think he'll see some defensive snaps in 2026, but the majority of his playing time will likely come on special teams if he's a game-day active. At 6'1 and 194 pounds with a 4.38-second 40-yard dash time, he's a name to watch at gunner.
7. S Robert Spears-Jennings: The Special Teams Ace
Spears-Jennings is a seventh-round pick with a strong chance at making the final roster due to the Steelers' safety room not being all that deep. Even if he makes the 53, he probably won't see any time on defense. However, he's quite the athlete: nearly 6'2, 205 pounds, and with a blistering 4.32-second 40-yard dash. I think he'll be a key contributor on special teams and a potential practice squad elevation.
8. DE Gabriel Rubio: The Run-Stuffing Ability
Rubio faces an uphill climb to make the Steelers' final roster, but his run-stuffing ability is a valuable NFL archetype. Teams are always cycling through defensive linemen during the season, and Rubio certainly has a chance at seeing the field as a rookie. I think he'll be a key contributor on special teams and a potential backup defensive lineman.
9. QB Drew Allar: The Development Project
Allar is a third-round pick with the hope that he can develop into a starter down the road. For now, the Steelers would probably be happy if he didn't play in the regular season at all as a rookie. I think he'll be a key development project for the team, and his mechanics will be a key focus for the coaching staff. If he develops well, he could be a key contributor in the future.
10. RB/WR Eli Heidenreich: The Practice Squad Candidate
Heidenreich was an electric college player, but he might have the toughest roster odds out of any rookie on this list. At running back, where he seems to be beginning his NFL career, Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle are entrenched as the starting duo. I think he'll be a key contributor on special teams and a potential practice squad elevation. If he develops well, he could be a key contributor in the future.
In conclusion, the Steelers' 2026 draft class is an intriguing bunch with a mix of potential starters and players who might have to wait their turn. While some rookies are expected to make an immediate impact, others may have to bide their time and develop behind established veterans. The class will be a key factor in the team's success in the coming years, and I think it'll be interesting to see how they develop and contribute to the team.
