Steelers' Rookie Minicamp Is Revealing More Bad News For Roman Wilson

The Pittsburgh Steelers just wrapped up a 2026 rookie minicamps session in the South Side of Pittsburgh. The minicamp involved a variety of practice methods and a seemingly complete culture change compared to the previous coaching staff. The minicamp allows rookies to gain extra practice time, get to know coaches, and get up to speed on an entirely new playbook. One of the highlights of the rookie minicamp was the second-round pick from the University of Alabama, Germie Bernard. The wideout is expected to earn a role in the offense right away. 

Steelers' 2024 third-round receiver, Roman Wilson, was considered to be the team's slot receiver in 2026, before Bernard was drafted. Wilson spent almost his entire rookie season dealing with injuries, and in his second year didn't see much production. He was even a healthy scratch at times and wasn't on the field much. His highest targeted game was five targets in Week 8 against the Green Bay Packers. 

The former Wolverine has yet to see a huge role for himself in the offense, despite now being healthy. The 2026 campaign could've brought a season of change for Wilson, with a new coaching staff and wide receiver depth that could allow him to have a bigger role. However, Bernard has impressed so far in minicamp, and that, combined with his second-round pick status, could have him in line for the WR3 spot. 

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo broke down the rookie minicamp in a segment on YouTube. The pair talked about Bernard and how he could affect Wilson's future. 

"I think he's going to be thrown into it right away," Fittipaldo said. "Gerry, his competition right now in training camp would be Roman Wilson. Roman Wilson had two difficult seasons trying to find his way into the NFL. So Bernard really has an opportunity if he steps in, learns the playbook, and plays well. I think he's got the inside track on that job." 

Bernard played a lot in the slot during his time in Tuscaloosa. He has the opportunity to earn the starting slot receiver position. His size and versatility to play in many positions put him above Wilson. Wilson would really only be used in the slot, as his 5'10 frame would limit him at times on the outside. Wilson was not involved much in the previous staff's offense, and with a new playbook, he'll have to get up to speed just like a rookie would. 

Bernard and Wilson will battle it out for a spot, but with how Bernard looked in just minicamp so far, it looks like he'll have a real shot at the spot. Dulac was impressed by what he saw in front of him after just two days of seeing Bernard practice. He pointed out why he was such a premium pick. 

"When you watch Germie Bernard, their second-round draft pick, you can see why he was a high draft pick," Dulac said. "You could tell he's a highly skilled player, and I think he's a guy who's going to fit in very nicely behind and with DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman."

Bernard's skill set could complement Pittman and Metcalf well. He's an improving route runner and is great at getting separation. Shorter and intermediate routes are his forte, and his differing abilities to the existing receivers will make him an attractive target for Steelers quarterbacks. 

Steelers Could Have Budding Star In Bernard

Bernard is quick (4.48 40-yard dash) and has only proven to get better each year of his four-year college career. His attitude is one of the glowing areas of his rap sheet, too. Pittsburgh has had some attitude issues with wide receivers in the past, but Bernard seems to have a great outlook.

His floor is high, but his ceiling will continue to ascend. If he can get involved in the offense early, then he could become a mainstay in the Steelers' offense. Time will tell if the Black and Gold will heavily involve a rookie receiver or use a previously underutilized one more often. 

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