Few draft classes in recent memory have sparked as much debate as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2026 haul. Depending on which analyst you consult, the organization either executed a masterclass in roster building or fell short of expectations by leaving significant value on the board. While the grades vary wildly, the strategy is clear: Pittsburgh prioritized the trenches, bolstered a thin receiving corps, and took another developmental swing at the quarterback position.
Despite the additions, some glaring omissions remain. The front office notably bypassed the inside linebacker position and spent a high-leverage third-round pick on a quarterback project, passing up immediate-impact defensive help. Yet, amidst the tactical scrutiny, the draft provided a heartwarming homecoming for a local product. Here is a breakdown of the primary winners and losers from the Steelers’ 2026 draft cycle.
| Round | Pick | Player Selection | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | No. 21 | Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State | B+ |
| 2 | No. 47 | Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama | A+ |
| 3 | No. 76 | Drew Allar, QB, Penn State | B |
| 3 | No. 85 | Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia | A |
| 3 | No. 96 | Gennings Dunker, G, Iowa | B- |
| 4 | No. 121 | Kaden Wetjen, WR, Iowa | C |
| 5 | No. 169 | Riley Nowakowski, FB, Indiana | B |
| 6 | No. 210 | Gabriel Rubio, DE, Notre Dame | C+ |
| 7 | No. 224 | Robert Spears, S, Oklahoma | B+ |
| 7 | No. 230 | Eli Heidenreich, RB/WR, Navy | B+ |
Winner: General Manager Omar Khan
Omar Khan proved his resilience during a high-stakes chess match in the early rounds. After a frustrating sequence where the Eagles and Cowboys maneuvered to snatch wideout Makai Lemon right out from under him, Khan faced immediate public pressure. The optics were tough—especially with behind-the-scenes footage capturing Khan on the phone with Lemon just as the trade was announced. Critics questioned if the “Khan Artist” had lost his edge by failing to move up and secure his target.
However, Khan redeemed himself on Day 2. Recognizing the need to be aggressive, he moved up six spots to land Alabama’s Germie Bernard. Analysts view Bernard as one of the most polished and “safe” prospects in the class. His reliability and schematic fit in Brian Angelichio’s new offense make him a potential Day 1 contributor. Angelichio praised Bernard’s “clutch” nature and character, suggesting that while he wasn’t the first choice, he might be the perfect one for Pittsburgh’s culture.
Loser: Roman Wilson
The selection of two wide receivers is a direct indictment of the lack of progress from Roman Wilson. After a standout collegiate career at Michigan, Wilson has struggled to translate his game to the professional level, managing only 12 receptions over his first two campaigns. While the depth chart isn’t completely solidified, the arrival of Bernard and Kaden Wetjen puts Wilson on the hot seat.
His path to the 53-man roster requires a massive leap in consistency and technical refinement. Aaron Rodgers hinted at these struggles during the 2025 season, emphasizing that while Wilson shows flashes of talent, his “attention to detail” and “craft in the routes” on the backside of plays often go missing. For Wilson, the 2026 preseason will likely be his final audition to prove he can be trusted in the regular rotation.
Winner: Aaron Rodgers
If Aaron Rodgers decides to continue his storied career in the Steel City, he will find an upgraded arsenal waiting for him. The front office has been aggressive in surrounding the veteran passer with talent. Adding Michael Pittman Jr. in free agency was a massive step, and pairing him with Germie Bernard provides Rodgers with two reliable, sure-handed targets.
With Kenneth Gainwell departing for Tampa Bay, the Steelers needed to find players who could win in the middle of the field and serve as safety blankets. Bernard’s fluid route running and ability to find soft spots in zone coverage align perfectly with Rodgers’ preference for high-IQ receivers who can adjust on the fly.
Loser: Mason Rudolph
Mason Rudolph’s long tenure in Pittsburgh appears to be reaching its conclusion. Shortly after the Steelers turned in the card for Penn State quarterback Drew Allar, reports began circulating that the team is actively exploring trade opportunities for the veteran. Rudolph has been a dependable backup, but he has never quite secured the confidence of the coaching staff to be the definitive long-term answer.
If Rodgers returns, the QB room becomes too crowded for Rudolph. With Allar being the high-upside project and Will Howard also in the mix, Rudolph’s value to the Steelers is now largely as a trade chip. Unless a significant injury occurs during training camp, Rudolph is likely looking at a fresh start in a new city.
Winner: Drew Allar
Landing in Pittsburgh is an ideal scenario for Drew Allar. Despite some inconsistent tape at Penn State, Allar possesses the “prototype” physical traits—6-foot-5, 235 pounds, and an elite arm—that NFL scouts covet. More importantly, he joins a coaching staff that is tailor-made to develop his specific skill set.
Head coach Mike McCarthy has a track record of molding young passers, and quarterbacks coach Tom Arth has a pre-existing relationship with Allar dating back to his time recruiting him at Akron. Arth praised Allar’s “effortless arm” and noted that his athleticism is often underrated. With the pressure of immediate starting duties removed, Allar has the environment he needs to refine his accuracy and fulfill his potential as a franchise-caliber arm.
Loser: Will Howard
Will Howard’s trajectory within the organization took a hit this weekend. Previously seen as the primary heir apparent to the quarterback throne, he now finds himself in a direct competition with a younger, higher-pedigree prospect in Allar. While Howard was a favorite of the previous regime under Mike Tomlin, Allar is a McCarthy-era selection.
The Steelers invested a valuable third-round pick (acquired in the George Pickens trade) to get Allar, signaling a shift in their long-term plans. Howard has spent his career overcoming the odds and playing through adversity, and he will need that grit more than ever as he fights to stay relevant in a shifting quarterback hierarchy.
Winner: Patrick Queen
Going into the draft, many expected the Steelers to find a long-term replacement or a heavy-hitting partner for Patrick Queen at inside linebacker. Instead, the team completely ignored the position. This lack of investment suggests two things: the market for a Queen trade was non-existent, and the team is prepared to lean on him heavily in the final year of his contract.
Queen remains the undisputed leader of the second level. While he needs to increase his “splash play” production to earn a massive contract extension, he won’t have to worry about a rookie breathing down his neck this summer. Under new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, Queen has a golden opportunity to prove he is indispensable to the Steelers’ defensive identity.
Loser: Broderick Jones
The selection of Max Iheanachor in the first round is a troubling sign for Broderick Jones. Jones has been hampered by a persistent neck injury that ended his previous season, and the decision to use a Day 1 pick on an offensive tackle suggests the team is concerned about his long-term availability.
Jones is entering the final year of his rookie deal, and if he isn’t healthy enough to hold off Iheanachor and veteran Dylan Cook in training camp, his future in Pittsburgh becomes very murky. The “best five” mentality on the offensive line means Jones is no longer guaranteed a spot based on his draft pedigree alone.
Winner: Eli Heidenreich
The emotional peak of the draft occurred in the seventh round when the Steelers called Eli Heidenreich. As a Pittsburgh native, Heidenreich’s selection was a dream realized, but this was more than just a feel-good story. The Navy product brings a unique statistical profile to the roster, having averaged nearly 7 yards per carry and over 18 yards per reception during his collegiate career.
Mike McCarthy highlighted Heidenreich’s versatility, noting his ability to contribute across “all four downs” and play multiple positions. In a league that increasingly values hybrid offensive weapons and special teams contributors, Heidenreich has a legitimate path to becoming a fan favorite and a roster mainstay.
Summary of the Steelers’ Draft Outlook
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2026 draft was a balancing act between addressing immediate roster holes and taking long-term gambles. By prioritizing the offensive line and wide receiver positions, the front office has given their current quarterback situation the best chance to succeed. However, the decision to gamble on a project quarterback like Drew Allar while ignoring the depth at inside linebacker ensures that this draft class will be scrutinized for years to come. Ultimately, the success of this group will hinge on whether Omar Khan’s pivots and Mike McCarthy’s developmental coaching can transform raw potential into a championship-caliber roster.
