The Pittsburgh Steelers are now in the phase of the offseason where different parts of the fan base either praise the organization, or hate on the organization, based on how the 2026 NFL Draft went. This time around the results have varied more than they have in recent years as there were a few picks that fans did not seem too happy about. One was the selection of quarterback Drew Allar in the third round, while the other was picking wide receiver Kaden Wetjen in the fourth. It seemed like there were better options on the board when the Steelers chose to draft Wetjen, which is what some fans were upset about.
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Steelers' Kaden Wetjen runs the 40-yard dash at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.
Wetjen was drafted with the 121st overall pick, while many thought that he would not be off the board until way later in the event. There was even some doubt that he would be drafted at all. Regardless, it was a weird pick, especially since he has made his mark mostly on special teams. He made a name for himself as a returner, despite being listed as a wide receiver. He can be a gadget player on offense from time to time, but his bread and butter is when the ball is being kicked to him. Beat writer Mike DeFabo for The Athletic published a piece on Wednesday predicting Pittsburgh's 53-man roster, and he made an interesting note about Wetjen in relation to Roman Wilson.
"Wetjen was probably the Steelers’ most controversial pick," DeFabo wrote. "He’s also an important one for several other players within the room. For Wilson, it’s a huge win. In Wetjen, the Steelers drafted a return man who might contribute as a gadget guy, instead of selecting a receiver to challenge Wilson, who could also return kicks. There’s a difference. UConn’s Skyler Bell, for example, would have created an obvious competition with Wilson. While the pick is good news for Wilson, though, it’s going to make for an uphill battle for Heidenreich."
Wilson has had a frustrating start to his career in Pittsburgh. Fans wanted to see him step up in 2025, but that never happened as he eventually became a healthy scratch. He seemed to not be a favorite of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and that made it hard for him to get on the field after missing nearly his entire rookie season due to injury.
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Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (10) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
The Steelers need help at wide receiver, and it was known that the organization was going to add to the position group in some way entering the 2026 NFL Draft. The franchise drafted Germie Bernard in the second round, and Wetjen was the only other wide receiver picked by the team. The fact that the second wide receiver selected specializes in special teams is a good sign for Wilson, and it shows that the franchise has not quite given up on him yet.
Skyler Bell was still available when the Steelers selected Wetjen, and if Bell had been the pick, it likely would have meant the end of Wilson's time with the Steelers. Instead, he will get another shot to prove himself to the organization.
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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.
Steelers' Roman Wilson Can Benefit From A Fresh Start
Wilson is going to benefit from the new coaching staff in Pittsburgh. This provides some sort of fresh start for the young wide receiver, and it increases the likelihood that he could get on the field more than he did in 2025. However, the potential return of Rodgers could make things hard on Wilson. The quarterback didn't seem to like having Wilson involved in the offense, and that could continue if the two aren't on the same page. This is something to watch with Bernard as well as the veteran quarterback is very demanding of his wide receivers.
What do you think about the Steelers still believing in Wilson? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
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