The Pittsburgh Steelers went through the 2026 offseason knowing that the team was going to be bringing in a lot of rookie talent. The organization went into the 2026 NFL Draft with 12 selections, and a lot of fans were hoping that more of those picks would be used to move up in the event. That did not happen, and only two of the picks were traded to maneuver the draft board. The Steelers wound up selecting 10 rookies, which is a large draft class, and there is no guarantee that they all will make the final roster. One of the rookies who will be appearing in games during the regular season is Riley Nowakowski.
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Steelers' Riley Nowakowski lines up next to Germie Bernard during rookie minicamp in 2026.
Nowakowski was drafted by the Steelers in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft out of Indiana. He is coming off of a victory in the National Championship, and he was a tight end for the Hoosiers that made a ton of contributions in 2025. He is expected to take on more of a fullback role in Pittsburgh, but he will also line up at tight end and h-back. He can block and catch passes out of the backfield, and he is the only rookie that will be a Day 1 starter.
Beat writer Mike DeFabo of The Athletic recently spoke about the rookie class in an article, and he had some promising things to say about Nowakowski.
"The Steelers will find ways to get Nowakowski on the field this year," DeFabo said. "Listed as a fullback, he has more versatility than that title suggests. He’s a well-built athlete, who should be an upgrade as a blocker, compared with what Connor Heyward provided. The rookie also has more athleticism and will give the Steelers more after the catch. I also anticipate him becoming a core special-teamer."
The rookie was listed as a tight end during his final season in college, but he is being listed as a fullback for the Steelers. He will be the unquestioned starter during his rookie season, and there is a chance that he plays the most snaps out of anyone in this rookie class. He will be on the field on offense, and he will also contribute on special teams.
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Newly drafted Steelers rookie tight end/fullback Riley Nowakowski works out at rookie minicamp.
Nowakowski is taking on the role that Connor Heyward has held over the last four seasons. He will lead the way in the running game while also occasionally lining up at tight end. DeFabo believes Nowakowski's athleticism will allow him to perform better in this role than Heyward ever did. He is a superior blocker, and he also moves better with the ball in his hand.
Heyward signed with the Las Vegas Raiders during the 2026 offseason, marking the end of a four-year run in Pittsburgh. This wasn't an obvious position that needed to be replaced, at least to a casual fan. However, the organization clearly wanted a reliable fullback entering the draft process. New head coach Mike McCarthy has also used fullbacks throughout his career, and it will be interesting to see how much Nowakowski is relied upon early on.
Rich Janzaruk / Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Steelers' Riley Nowakowski goes through drills during his Pro Day in the 2026 offseason.
Steelers Should Expect Riley Nowakowski To Produce In The Passing Game
The most important part of Nowakowski's game during his rookie season is probably going to be his blocking in the run game as a lead blocker. He is going to be responsible for leading the way in that regard, but he should also be expected to produce a bit in the passing game. He had almost 400 receiving yards during the 2025 season to go along with two receiving touchdowns. He also ran the ball at the goal line twice for two scores. He is a diverse player that will be used in several ways within the offense.
What do you think Nowakowski will do during his rookie season in Pittsburgh? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
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