The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a fairly questionable 2026 NFL Draft throughout the first four rounds. Pittsburgh has added to the offensive line by drafting offensive tackle Max Iheanachor in the first round, and the organization also selected offensive guard Gennings Dunker out of Iowa. The Steelers also added two wide receivers in Germie Bernard and Kaden Wetjen. Wetjen is more of a returner and gadget player, but he is going to be listed as a wide receiver. Daylen Everette has been the only defensive player selected by Pittsburgh so far, and he was the team's second third-round selection. Quarterback Drew Allar was also snagged in the third round by Pittsburgh.
YouTube / The Rich Eisen Show
Steelers GM Omar Khan sits with Rich Eisen ahead of 2026 NFL Draft Combine.
Pittsburgh still has some more work to do as the organization had the most draft capital out of all the teams in the league. The franchise initially held the 161st overall pick in the draft, but the Steelers completed a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs to move back in the fifth round. The Steelers then held the 169th overall pick, which fell in the fifth round. The organization selected tight end/fullback Riley Nowakowski out of Indiana.
Steelers taking Indiana TE Riley Nowakowski here at No. 169. Another national champ in the draft!
— Brian Batko (@BrianBatko) April 25, 2026
The Steelers are drafting less based off of need now, and the franchise is focusing on who the best players available are that are left on the board. Nowakowski is a tight end that can play fullback. He clearly can fill some of the role that Connor Heyward took on during his time with the Steelers.
© Mark J. Rebilas / Imagn Images
Steelers' Mike McCarthy at league meetings during the 2026 offseason.
Some of the Steelers’ selections in the 2026 NFL Draft have been a bit controversial, but the organization continues to chug along to add to the already impressive draft class. Adding another tight end to the roster is a good move for Pittsburgh, especially since he can lead block when it comes to the running game as well.
Rich Janzaruk / Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Steelers' Riley Nowakowski goes through drills during his Pro Day in the 2026 offseason.
Nowakowski spent six seasons in college, and he won the National Championship with Indiana in his final season. He was a major contributor as he caught 32 passes for 387 yards and two touchdowns during the season. He also contributes in ways that don't show up on the stat sheet as he helps with blocking in the run game. He is a very experienced tight end and fullback and should be able to carve out a role for himself on offense and special teams almost immediately. He joins a talented tight end room, but he could lead the way as a blocker coming up out of the backfield.
What do you think about this trade and this pick for the Steelers? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
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