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Every team is excited about their incoming class of rookies, but how will those new players affect each team in 2026?
Let's look at the Pittsburgh Steelers, breaking down the most likely instant-impact rookies from their class while also providing some insight into why certain early picks may not see the field.
Pittsburgh Steelers 2026 Draft Class: Which Rookies Will Make an Impact?
The Steelers needed immediate help on the offensive line due to Broderick Jones’ injury, which forced them to reach for Max Iheanachor (first round). Iheanachor is expected to start immediately at right tackle with 2024 first-round pick Troy Fautanu moving to the left side.
Iheanachor fits the Steelers’ mold in terms of his size and potential for physical play, but the two-year starter at Arizona State is still learning the position and was often a liability against the Sun Devils’ top competition. When Iheanachor’s quarterbacks took a traditional dropback last year, his 4.6% blown-block rate ranked in the 65th percentile among offensive tackles over the last four years. To put a positive spin on it, at least that was an upgrade from his 7.9% rate (26th percentile) the previous season.
Germie Bernard (second round) should have a more immediate impact and will be a nice complementary weapon to Michael Pittman Jr. and DK Metcalf. Bernard’s ability to line up in the slot or the outside pairs well with Pittman, who has a similar skill set, allowing the Steelers to move each receiver around to find the best matchups.
Drew Allar (third round) was a surprising investment in a developmental prospect who doesn’t have traits that clearly stand out above last year’s sixth-round pick Will Howard. Allar struggled with accuracy and decision-making throughout his career, and due to his lack of mobility, it’s hard to imagine him developing those traits fast enough to last for long in the NFL.
Daylen Everette (third round) was slow to develop during his time at Georgia, but he is coming off a strong senior year and will add some depth to a crowded secondary in Pittsburgh. Based on route-adjusted data, Everette allowed a catch rate 26% below expected last season, easily the best mark of his career. Gennings Dunker (third round) played right tackle at Iowa but likely moves to guard in Pittsburgh. He has a chance to compete with Spencer Anderson for a starting guard job immediately, though his versatility will make him a valuable backup even if he fails to lock down that spot.
Kaden Wetjen (fourth round) was likely drafted for his return skills and doesn’t appear to have a path to playing time at wide receiver. The fourth round is early to invest in a return specialist, but Wetjen’s 6 punt and kick return touchdowns over the last two seasons set a high ceiling for potential impact. Riley Nowakowski (fifth round) is a blocking tight end with limited potential as a receiver. The Steelers are expected to also use him as fullback/H-back, and there doesn’t appear to be any competition for that role on the roster. Gabriel Rubio (sixth round) is a nose tackle with limited potential to be anything more than a space-eater on early downs.
Robert Spears-Jennings (seventh round) is a versatile safety who will provide depth in the secondary, though his limited special teams experience could hurt his ability to win a roster spot. DeShon Elliott is Pittsburgh's only veteran safety under contract beyond 2026, so there is an incentive to keep Spears-Jennings around and try to develop him for a larger role in the future. Eli Heidenreich (seventh round) is a gadget weapon who can play running back or receiver, though his ability to earn a roster spot might be complicated by the previous addition of Wetjen, another similar offensive weapon who has a clearer path to a roster spot due to his return duties.
The Steelers added some quality depth at several positions, but it’s hard to envision this class making a substantial impact on wins and losses in the near future. While Iheanachor will play immediately, he is likely to be a liability as a rookie, potentially making Bernard the only positive-impact rookie in 2026. The Steelers' interest in developmental prospects would be easier to understand if this were a rebuilding year, but with a 42-year-old quarterback, the Steelers appear to be trying to rebuild and compete at the same time. It’s a failing approach that will likely lead to the Steelers continuing to tread water.
This analysis continues in the 2026 Football Preview
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