The Pittsburgh Steelers hosted their 2026 NFL Draft class for rookie minicamp this past weekend, where several new faces took part in some football drills. New head coach Mike McCarthy had his hands in the mix with players, especially quarterback Drew Allar. The organization is looking to take a step forward in the 2026 season, following another first-round playoff exit to end their 2025 campaign. There were some players that stuck out with impressive minicamp showings over the weekend. Christopher Carter of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette mentioned one player in particular that stood out and how his versatility could help improve their 2026 offense.
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Steelers' new head coach Mike McCarthy smiles as he addresses the media during his introductory press conference that took place at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
Germie Bernard was taken 47th overall by the organization in the second round of the draft back in April. Now Bernard has a chance to make a big contribution to improving a unit that struggled in 2025, ranking 25th overall in the league in total offense with 305.6 yards per game. McCarthy has his work cut out for him, but Carter indicates that Bernard could have a huge impact on helping the progression of the offense quickly.
"Versatility is expected to be a priority in the Steelers’ new offense under Mike McCarthy," Carter wrote. "That could help Germie Bernard carve out an early role after he stood out at rookie camp this past weekend. As a junior, 48.3% of his offensive snaps came as a receiver lined up outside the numbers and 50.1% came in the slot. That flipped in his senior year, when he played 58% of his snaps on the outside, 36.7% in the slot and 4.8% lined up in the backfield. Should Bernard absorb the offense quickly throughout spring and summer practices, his versatility could give McCarthy and offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio added flexibility to move receivers around."
Versatility is exactly what Bernard brings to the table on the field. One of the biggest issues the Black and Gold needed to address was getting help at the wide receiver position for DK Metcalf. They did so via a trade with the Indianapolis Colts by trading for Michael Pittman Jr. and followed that up with the draft pick of Bernard. Bernard has turned heads quickly given his humble attitude and was also highly praised following his selection by the franchise.
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Steelers' new wide receiver Germie Bernard scores a touchdown as he basically walks into the end zone during the SEC Championship Game with Alabama in 2025.
Bernard was used in the backfield successfully at the University of Alabama in his senior season in 2025. He had a total of 18 carries for 101 yards and two rushing touchdowns in 2025. That was good for 5.6 yards per attempt on the ground.
Steelers Have Clear Path To An Improved Offense In 2026
Needing to significantly revamp, the offense for the Black and Gold looks a lot different heading into 2026 than it did in 2025. This is particularly true at the wide receiver position. Pittman and Metcalf are bigger-bodied receivers, whereas Bernard is smaller, but the versatility he brings to the field gives them a more dynamic and balanced attack heading into 2026.
While he can play outside and the slot, his numbers show that he will keep defenses honest when facing Pittsburgh in 2026, should he catch on to the playbook quickly. Bernard had 64 receptions for 862 yards in 2025, good for a 13.5 yards per catch. If Bernard sees anything similar to that, as the de facto number three receiver in the Steel City, their offense should be a drastically improved unit in 2026.
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Steelers wide receiver Germie Bernard scores a touchdown during a road game while playing for Alabama.
New offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio also has his work cut out for him like McCarthy in 2026. However, the proper steps were taken to add talent to this offense for them to make the jump they need in the upcoming season. The news on Bernard has been good to this point, so if he continues to stand out, great things will come his way on the field in the 2026 season as a rookie.
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