The Pittsburgh Steelers weren’t finished finding prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft that they felt would add depth while setting up a competitive roster. In the opening of Day 3, the Steelers added two offensive pieces, selecting Iowa wide receiver and return specialist Kaden Wetjen in the fourth round and Indiana tight end/fullback Riley Nowakowski in the fifth.
Speedy Hawkeye adds return skill for Steelers
Wetjen was taken with the No. 121 overall pick, addressing a clear need on special teams. The 5-foot-9, 195-pound playmaker emerged as one of college football’s most dynamic return men, earning multiple national honors – including All-American and All Big 10 – for his production in the return game. According to the team’s official site, Pittsburgh viewed him as its “top-rated dual return player” in the class, signaling an immediate role as a punt and kick returner.
Special teams coordinator Danny Crossman said of Wetjen, “In this new dynamic kickoff age of National Football League, to have a guy who, in our opinion, is very good at both, we think is going to be a major addition and pay dividends for the club.”
Wetjen led the Big 10 in punt return average (26.8 yards), punt return touchdowns (3), and kickoff return average (29.8) in 2025 for the Hawkeyes, after leading the conference in kickoff return average (28.0) in 2024. Wetjen returned 56 kickoffs at 27.5 yards per return and 2 touchdowns, and returned 54 punts at 17.7 yards per return and 4 touchdowns in his collegiate career. Although primarily utilized as a returner, Wetjen added 23 career receptions and a touchdown and was used sparingly in the rushing game. His speed and versatility made him an intriguing pick-up for the Steelers who were aware Wetjen ran a 4.47 40 at the NFL Combine.
“Number one, he makes great decisions, good ball security. And then he is what I refer to as a catch-run-cut player,” Crossman continued. “A lot of guys are looking to cut, maybe before they need to. He is fearless and he’s not going to make the cuts until he has to, and he can do it late.” The Steelers have needed more dynamic returns on special teams and Wetjen can provide that to them.
Nowakowski added as a bruising fullback, blocker
The Steelers followed the selection of Wetjen by trading down in the fifth round before taking Nowakowski at No. 169 overall. Pittsburgh sent picks No. 161 and No. 249 to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for No. 169 and No. 210, adding draft capital while still landing their targeted player.
Nowakowski brings versatility to the offense after a breakout season at Indiana, where he recorded 32 receptions for 387 yards and two touchdowns during the Hoosiers’ championship run. A former Wisconsin player who transitioned from defense to offense, he developed into a reliable, physical tight end capable of contributing as a blocker and receiver.
The Steelers’ official evaluation highlighted Nowakowski’s willingness to play multiple roles, including fullback, tight end and special teams. His skill set fits a traditional Pittsburgh mold – physical, adaptable and team-oriented – and he is expected to compete for snaps behind established tight ends Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington while contributing in short-yardage and run-heavy packages.
Together, the selections reflected a clear Day 3 strategy for Pittsburgh: prioritize specialized roles and depth over immediate star power. Wetjen addresses a long-standing need for explosiveness in the return game, while Nowakowski adds physical versatility to the offensive front.