The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the 2026 NFL Draft with a clear plan. Add playmakers, reinforce the trenches, and fix problem areas like special teams. While this class has long-term upside, several rookies have a real chance to contribute right away.
But who will make an impact first?
Immediate Impact Candidates
Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
Germie Bernard is the safest bet to contribute early, and here’s why.
The Steelers traded up in the second round to get him, and that alone tells you the plan. Bernard brings polished route running, strong hands, and consistent production from Alabama. He led his team in receiving in back-to-back seasons and looks ready to step into an NFL offense. Over the last two seasons, Bernard has caught 114 passes for 1,656 yards and 9 touchdowns. He’s also rushed for 3 more.
More importantly, he’s only had three dropped passes over that two-year span.
With the wide receiver room still searching for consistency, Bernard should see the field quickly as a WR3. New head coach Mike McCarthy has been adamant about having receivers that can play in multiple spots and run full route trees. Bernard fits that means to an end.
He could become a key part of the passing game throughout the season, as he helps take away attention from D.K. Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr.
Kaden Wetjen, Return Specialist, Iowa
Kaden Wetjen might impact games before anyone else in this class. But why?
The Steelers needed a spark in their return game, and Wetjen brings exactly that. His production at Iowa speaks for itself, including elite averages and multiple punt and kick return touchdowns.
Wetjen led the Big Ten in returning in back-to-back seasons and with his ability to flip field position instantly, should squeeze right into the role vacated by Calvin Austin III, among others.
He does not need offensive or defensive snaps to matter. If he wins the return job, his impact could show up right away in Week 1.
Early Rotational Contributors
Max Iheanachor, OL, Arizona State
Despite being labeled a project or developmental player, Iheanachor should play early, even if he is not a full-time starter right away. That’s what first round pics are expected to do.
Where and how he plays is the question. Max was a right tackle in college, which would mean moving Troy Fautanu to a new position — maybe Troy’s college position of left tackle — to make it happen.
Of course, this depends on the health of left tackle Broderick Jones and any camp competition with Dylan Cook, who closed the season at the position.
Iheanachor’s versatility is key. He can line up at multiple spots along the offensive line, which gives the coaching staff options as they figure out the best combination up front. That flexibility usually leads to early snaps. And over time, he has the upside to grow into a full-time role.
Gennings Dunker, OL, Iowa
Gennings Dunker could end up being one of the more underrated picks in this class.
Interior offensive line depth always gets tested, and Dunker fits the physical style the Steelers want. His draft value suggests he was closer to other higher-ranked guards than where he was selected.
If injuries hit or the line struggles, Dunker could find himself on the field sooner rather than later.
Developmental Players to Watch
Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia
Cornerback is a tough position for rookies, and Daylen Everette may need time to develop. That’s alright, because the Steelers have a glut of capable corner atop their depth chart, including Joey Porter Jr., Jamel Dean, Brandin Echols, and Asante Samuel Jr. That’s not including whether or not Jalen Ramsey will flirt as a nickel cornerback too.
That leaves time for Everette to carve out his own role. He has the athletic tools and comes from a strong program at Georgia, but early contributions will likely come from special teams, as his draft position might dictate too. As he develops, he could work his way into more defensive snaps, but that’s unlikely in 2026.
Riley Nowakowski, FB/TE, Indiana
Nowakowski brings versatility, but his role may take time to fully develop.
He can contribute as a blocker, move around the formation, and play on special teams. He’s viewed as a Connor Heyward replacement: and Heyward didn’t play an awful lot either if we’re being honest. That’s why we’ll likely see Nowakowski as a TE3/4, possibly on return teams or even inactive until he finds his niche with the Steelers.
What About The Rest?
Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
Even if Aaron Rodgers doesn’t return, Drew Allar is not expected to play right away. Allar’s impact is more about the future than the present.
He has the size and arm talent teams look for, but he needs development. Consistency and decision-making are still areas to improve.
Unless injuries force the issue, he will likely spend time learning behind any veterans, such as Mason Rudolph. It’s also likely the team will trial Will Howard first before forcing Allar onto the field.
Gabriel Rubio, DL, Notre Dame
Rubio brings size, strength, and the ability to occupy blockers in the run game. That does not always show up in the stat sheet, but it matter on defense.
He could carve out a role, especially in run-heavy situations, but he would appear to be a player who will be fighting for a helmet on game days, if not a spot on the 53 man roster overall.
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Robert Spears-Jennings, DB, Oklahoma
A versatile defensive back with special teams value, RSJ will provide safety depth but will likely be buried deeper on the depth chart in 2026 behind names like DeShon Elliott, Jaquan Brisker, and also Jalen Ramsey.
Eli Heidenreich, WR/RB, Notre Dame
Heidenreich is a physical runner who could earn early rotational snaps depending on the fallout of the receiver depth chart. He can be deployed in multiple ways, which could earn him playing time.
The question is when and how: with a shot at being a rotational slot receiver in the mix as well as a pass-catcher out of the backfield (provided his pass protection skills translate to the pro level.)
The Bottom Line
This draft class was built with balance in mind, taking the best players available with the future in mind.
Bernard and Wetjen have the clearest paths to immediate impact, filling obvious needs with proven production. Iheanachor and Dunker provide depth that could quickly turn into meaningful playing time on the offensive line too.
The rest of the class may take longer to develop, but the structure is there for contributions across the board.
The question is not if these rookies will make an impact. It is how quickly they force their way onto the field.