What can fans expect from Steelers' 2026 NFL draft class?

Training camp is just around the corner, but before we focus on Latrobe, let's take another glimpse at the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2026 NFL Draft class.

Here's a look at all ten draft picks the Steelers made in April's draft, including what role they could play in Year 1, which could be potential roster cuts, or if they'll even see the field as rookies.

First round pick: OT Max Iheanachor, Arizona

The Steelers knew what they signed up for when they drafted Iheanachor, who's only played four years of organized football in his life. Iheanachor is a developmental player who could very well emerge as one of the league's top offensive tackles, but he likely won't see much playing time in 2026.

Second round pick: WR Germie Bernard, Alabama

Bernard's rookie season with the Steelers could be interesting, as although the team has taken a slow approach with young receivers in recent years, he could be an instant contributor. Capable of lining up out wide, in the slot, or even out of the backfield, Bernard proved he can be a game-changer anywhere the Steelers need him. We expect big things out of Bernard in Year 1.

Third round pick: QB Drew Allar, Penn State

Similar to Iheanachor, Allar is viewed more as a developmental prospect who could emerge into a full-time starter down the road. While Penn State's coaching staff and injuries didn't do Allar any favors, he's now under the mentorship of Aaron Rodgers and proven quarterback guru Mike McCarthy. There's arguably less than a one-percent chance we see Allar in the 2026 regular season, and fans should anticipate a bigger role for him in 2027.

Third round pick: CB Daylen Everette, Georgia

What many consider to be a huge sleeper pick, Everette could push for more playing time depending on how he looks during training camp and the preseason. If Everette can surpass Asante Samuel Jr. as the top backup cornerback, there's a real shot he'll have a big role early as a rookie.

Third round pick: G Gennings Dunker, Iowa

Back to sleeper picks here, Dunker played offensive tackle in college but will switch to guard in the NFL. A massive, powerful offensive lineman who could very well compete for a starting role later in the season, Dunker is definitely a rookie to keep an eye on in Year 1.

Fourth round pick: WR/PR, Kaden Wetjen, Iowa

Wetjen was an intriguing selection by the Steelers, as he wasn't drafted for his abilities as a receiver. Wetjen was selected because he can completely change the game as a return specialist. Voted college football's top kick returner in back-to-back seasons and the winner of the Jet Award in 2024 and 2025, Wetjen will make an immediate impact as a rookie.

Fifth round pick: TE/FB Riley Nowakowski, Indiana

What the Steelers lost when Connor Heyward joined the Las Vegas Raiders, the team found in Nowakowski. The rookie fifth-rounder can play a multitude of roles for the Steelers but will likely play more fullback and special teams than anything else in Year 1.

Sixth round pick: DL Gabriel Rubio, Notre Dame

The jury is still out on Rubio, as he's one of the rawest prospects on Pittsburgh's roster. But he has two important tools coaches love in a defensive lineman: size and physicality. He may be the first of Pittsburgh's draft prospects to fail to make the 53-man squad, but he could remain with the team via the practice squad.

Seventh round pick: S Robert Spears-Jennings, Oklahoma

An exciting, physical safety with lightning-fast 4.32 speed is what the Steelers have in Spears-Jennings. There may not be room in Pittsburgh's safety room, but Spears-Jennings will certainly compete for his spot as a rookie.

Seventh round pick: RB/WR Eli Heidenreich, Navy

The fan-favorite rookie of the Steelers' 2026 NFL Draft class, Heidenreich returned home to Pittsburgh with the team's final pick of the draft. Heidenreich offers the Steelers insane versatility as both a receiver and a running back, opening the door for an easier route to the 53-man roster than most seventh-rounders face.

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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: What can fans expect from Steelers' 2026 NFL Draft class?