The Pittsburgh Steelers have been working hard behind the scenes to shape their direction in the 2026 NFL Draft. The entire fan base and the football world are eager to see what this new era of Steelers football will look like under Mike McCarthy. In his first year, if he wants to get off to a strong start and shift the culture in the Steel City, he will need an excellent first draft. With 12 picks in their arsenal, McCarthy and General Manager Omar Khan are positioned to make a major impact in Pittsburgh, setting up what could be a defining draft class and an exciting moment for Steelers fans. With the draft being hosted by the Steel City, it's a super awesome moment for the fan base.
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Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Omar Khan during a 2025 training camp practice being held in Latrobe, PA.
With all that being said, Steelers fans are counting down the days to the draft and are eager to see how Pittsburgh will use those 12 selections. NFL Draft expert Ryan Wilson went on 93.7 The Fan on Tuesday afternoon, where he shared insight into what the Steelers might be plotting that could directly benefit Aaron Rodgers.
Of course, the Steelers are still waiting to figure out if Rodgers will be their quarterback for the 2026 season. If not, they are expected to move forward with Will Howard and Mason Rudolph. Rodgers is expected to make a decision around draft time, at least that is what Steelers fans believe. Now, Pittsburgh may be considering a move that would benefit him directly by targeting wide receiver Germie Bernard out of the Alabama Crimson Tide early in the 2026 NFL Draft.
"I am going to keep mentioning this guy, Germie Bernard is the best route runner in this draft class," Wilson said during his time speaking on 93.7 The Fan on Tuesday evening. "He ran in the 4.4s, which is faster than people thought. He’s a big target and the best thing I can say about Germie Bernard in addition to him being one of the best run blockers, he is always where his quarterback expects him to be, and we know Aaron Rodgers has a high level of expectations for his receivers. But whoever the quarterback ends up being, you can't underestimate how important that is."
The Steelers traded to get Michael Pittman Jr. in the 2026 offseason. He is seen as a very exciting addition to a much-needed offensive and wide receiver room. The Steelers were desperate to find a WR2 to pair with DK Metcalf. Now the Steelers have figured that out, but there are big questions surrounding Roman Wilson and his development in 2026.
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Former Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard speaks to the media following a loss in the Rose Bowl.
The Steelers lost Calvin Austin III in free agency after the 2025 season ended and are in need of a slot receiver. Bernard would fit that role and make a lot of sense. He is projected to go anywhere from the second to third round. The Steelers have five picks within the top 100 of the 2026 NFL Draft. Many expect them to still be wide receiver hungry. Wilson fully thinks that if the Steelers drafted Bernard in the second round, 53rd overall, it would be viewed as a perfect addition for Rodgers.
Steelers Are Still Waiting On Aaron Rodgers
No one aside from Rodgers and maybe the Steelers brass know what Rodgers is thinking about the 2026 season. It has been all over the place, but the general consensus is that he will play for the Steelers. If he does, then getting Bernard would be exciting as it would help fill out the wide receiver room.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks down at his play sheet while he watches practice in street clothes as the team works out during 2025 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Wilson is as touted a draft expert as they come, and hearing his glowing reviews of Bernard is exciting. Now Steelers fans wait to see if Rodgers is going to make it known he is playing in 2026.
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