Steel City Undergrounds presents “Fan Friday” – an offseason collection of articles addressing Pittsburgh Steelers news, team updates, player interviews, performances and injury reports to keep Steelers Nation on the pulse of the black and gold.
The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to test skills during their organized team activities (OTAs) and coaches and players have been slowly painting a picture of the talent this team brings to the 2026 NFL season. We look at some of the trending storylines surrounding the team’s progress.
Steelers WRs at OTAs pic.twitter.com/MpmYpxnAN8
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) May 28, 2026
Rookies giving off optimistic vibes
The narrative around the 2026 draft class is optimistic, especially on offense and in the defensive backfield. The development of receiver Germie Bernard, quarterback Drew Allar, and Daylen Everette in the defensive backfield have caught the attention of fans, coaches, and the media.
Bernard has been successful during rookie minicamp and OTAs. He has been praised for clean hands, elevated route-running, and consideration for immediate impact as a WR3 behind D.K. Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. So far, Bernard has been solid regardless of who has been in at quarterback.
“He’s always willing to learn. Always says yes sir and just keeps pushing. From a guy of his stature coming into the league, that’s all you can ask for,” Metcalf said of Bernard.
Everette may have had limited pre-draft hype, but he has shown strong coverage skills, quick feet, closing speed, and the ability to match up with receivers opposite him. The Steelers had some issues with consistency in their defensive backfield in 2025, and it appears Everette could help tighten up coverage issues.
Allar continues to work on mechanics behind Will Howard. Howard has earned QB2 reps ahead of veteran QB Mason Rudolph and thrown well, shown poise in the pocket, and “exceeded expectations” according to QB coach Tom Arth. Allar may be the QB the Steelers find a way to stash on the roster – possibly sending him to IR – but his ceiling continues to go up as he is mentored by Aaron Rodgers.
“This is usually where the rookies kind of hit the wall a little bit,” head coach Mike McCarthy said Thursday after the team’s fifth OTA practice. “You didn’t see that today. I’ve been really impressed with the way they’ve come in and picked it up and tried to learn from the veteran players. It’s going well.”
Coach McCarthy spoke to the media about OTAs & more.
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) May 28, 2026
Rodgers is helping in transition to McCarthy’s offensive scheme
Like it or hate it, Rodgers is firmly planted as QB1 for the Steelers this year. While fans go back and forth, Rodgers has quietly been helping the Steelers offense transition to McCarthy’s scheme.
“I mean every offense, I think, wants to focus through the quarterback. The way that we were trained is true West Coast, and the West Coast offense is about time and spacing,” Rodgers explained. “You’ve got to temper expectations and judgements because we’re out here in helmets and shorts.”
“I think part of the process is just growing. Me having to adjust some of the stuff that I’ve done or terminology I like. So, it’s a fun learning experience right now.”
Bernard is just one of many players who feel Rodgers is a valuable asset to the team’s development for the upcoming season. “It’s a blessing to be able to work with him,” said Bernard. “I get to learn just asking (Aaron) as many questions as I can. Taking all the cues and learning from him so I won’t make the same mistakes and so we can build that trust.”
Steelers QB room heating up at OTAS 🔥 #steelers #football #trending #NFL #Pittsburgh pic.twitter.com/J7cJTuQ8NZ
— 93.7 The Fan (@937theFan) May 28, 2026
Top burning questions: Joe and Brian