Steelers' Second-Round Pick Germie Bernard Given Huge Praise From Ravens Legend

The Pittsburgh Steelers were rumored to select a wide receiver in the early rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft throughout the offseason. While some fans were hoping that the Black and Gold would select one on Day 1, the Steelers' seemingly number-one target, Makai Lemon, was picked by the Philadelphia Eagles just one pick ahead of Pittsburgh. The Steelers' front office quickly pivoted and chose Arizona State tackle Max Iheanachor with their first-round pick. Iheanachor is expected to shore up a tackle group that has been shrouded in uncertainty. This forced the Steelers to make their pass-catching choice later, and it came in the second round. 

Pittsburgh traded pick 53, along with a fourth and a swap of seventh-round picks, with the Indianapolis Colts to move up to 47. There, the Steelers took their receiver, Germie Bernard, out of the University of Alabama. The versatile 6'1" receiver had steady production in his collegiate career, where he led Alabama in receptions in 2024 and 2025. In 2025, Bernard caught 64 passes and registered 862 receiving yards along with seven touchdowns. Considered one of the more polished prospects at the point of the Steelers' pick, it seemed to be a no-brainer for the Steelers brass.

Bernard continued to get better throughout his time in college and caught the eye of many during his time with the Crimson Tide. Former Baltimore Ravens and Carolina Panthers receiver Steve Smith Sr. and NFL reporter James Palmer spoke highly of Bernard on an episode of his NFL Draft breakdowns, which was included in a trending clip on X.

"Development has just been off the charts. Gritty. Pro's pro type with a high floor and excellent blocker. Over 500-600 snaps with zero holding penalties," Smith said.

One of the many things that the Steelers look for in a receiver is their ability to be a good blocker. Bernard's toughness and willingness to be a part of the run game more than likely caught the eye of many in the front office. Smith was not afraid to offer Bernard an enthusiastic amount of praise, which, for many fans, should be a good sign, as Smith could be a future Hall of Fame receiver, and this would be a huge endorsement. 

On the same show, Palmer offered an interesting current NFL player comparison for Bernard. He said that there have been many comps to this player, but none were as close, in Palmer and Smith's opinion, as Bernard is. Palmer shared a quote from an NFL executive about Bernard, too. 

"This is one of my favorite quotes from an executive on a player during our process this year, where he said, 'Everyone is chasing the Deebo Samuel model.' Usually, these guys, when I'm looking at them, and everybody's trying to make that Deebo [comparison], they're not great route runners, and they don't have wide receiver traits. Guess what? This guy [Bernard] does," Palmer said. 

This would be huge for Steelers fans as Samuel is one of the more versatile receivers in the NFL. Bernard has similar traits to him based on his willingness to block, be a great route runner, and ability to line up inside and out. If Bernard is anything like this player comp, he'll be worth the value of a second-round pick. 

Bernard Fits The Mold As A Steelers Receiver 

The Steelers needed a guy in the slot who could also play on the outside. Head Coach Mike McCarthy historically has liked receivers who can provide versatility. Bernard can do that for his offense, and with the grittiness, this seems like a typical Steelers pick. 

Now, the Steelers have some much-needed depth at the receiver spot. While it didn't come in the first round, Bernard has the intangibles to be a great pick. Luckily, Pittsburgh has had its fair share of elite receiver talent come out of its mid-round picks. 

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