Steelers Learn Crucial Detail That Gives Roman Wilson An Edge Over Rookie WR Germie Bernard

The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the 2026 NFL Draft with the belief that they could select a wide receiver as early as No. 21 overall. As it turned out, that's exactly what General Manager Omar Khan and Head Coach Mike McCarthy hoped to do when they targeted USC standout Makai Lemon with the pick.

In an unfortunate moment for both the organization and the city hosting the draft, it made for awkward optics when Khan informed Lemon that he was about to become a Steeler, only for the Philadelphia Eagles to trade up moments later and snatch him away. All of this unfolded of course as the Steel City was hosting the draft for the first time in NFL history.

The Steelers eventually landed their receiver when they traded up in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft, moving to No. 47 overall to select Alabama product Germie Bernard. Pittsburgh's wide receiver room has been a source of major concern over the last several seasons. Ahead of the 2025 campaign, the Steelers made a blockbuster trade for veteran star DK Metcalf. However, they later shipped George Pickens out of town, creating many of the same issues that plagued the position group in 2024.

During the 2026 offseason, Khan and McCarthy worked to address the receiving corps and believe they accomplished that by drafting Bernard and prior to that acquiring veteran Michael Pittman Jr. Many assume Bernard's arrival will make it even tougher for Roman Wilson, the Steelers' 2024 third-round pick, to carve out a role on offense. However, Steelers insider Jim Wexell revealed on his Steel City Insider podcast that one aspect of Wilson's game could provide him with a slight edge over Bernard in the battle for positioning on the depth chart.

"I wrote a little nasty thing in my notebook about Roman Wilson, but I will tell you this about 17," Wexell said. "He does not have Roman Wilson's speed. I know Metcalf has that 4.3 speed, but they don't have that quick, breakaway guy that they wanted in the first round with Lemon. Right after I wrote that nasty note, Roman broke free... and he scored. It was a great play, great for Roman. Then he did it on a 70-yarder. It was just majestic."

Wexell admitted he isn't entirely sure how news of Wilson's 70-yard touchdown ended up becoming public because it wasn't supposed to get out. 

Since it did, he was more comfortable sharing a few additional details, though he remained careful because he isn't supposed to say much about closed practices. 

Steelers' Roman Wilson Makes Majestic 70-Yard Catch From Aaron Rodgers

Still, it's exciting to hear that Wilson hauled in a 70-yard score from Aaron Rodgers. During the 2025 season, there were rumblings that Rodgers didn't trust Wilson, which is why many believed former head coach Mike Tomlin rarely put him on the field.

When the Steelers selected Wilson in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, there was real optimism that he would contribute immediately as a rookie. Instead, he suffered an injury and never seemed to gain the trust of the coaching staff or Rodgers that he needed. Now, with Rodgers back for one last ride in 2026, questions remain about whether Wilson can finally earn that trust.

While it's critical not to overreact to minicamp reports and offseason practices, hearing that Wilson made what Wexell described as a majestic play from Rodgers is bound to create some optimism. With the added depth at wide receiver, it won't be any easier for Wilson to find his way onto the field, but he's working harder than ever to make sure he gives himself the best chance to do so.

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