The Pittsburgh Steelers are putting a lot of hope into their rookie class for the 2026 season as a few rookies are expected to make some major contributions on the offensive side of the ball. Max Iheanachor or Gennings Dunker could end up seeing the field early on the offensive line, while Riley Nowakowski is expected to play some of the most snaps in the class as he is already penciled in as the team's starting fullback/h-back. He will also contribute on special teams. Wide receiver Germie Bernard is another rookie that will be in the mix as he will be battling for the third wide receiver spot throughout training camp.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers wide receiver Germie Bernard prepares to haul in a pass as he goes through a drill during 2026 Organized Team Activities (OTAs) in Pittsburgh, PA.
The Steelers liked Bernard so much during the pre-draft process that the organization did not want to miss out on a chance to snag him in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft. General Manager Omar Khan decided to trade up for the young wide receiver as the team selected him with the 47th overall pick in the event. He was a second-round pick but he was seen as the most pro-ready prospect at the position entering the draft, and the praise that has rained down on him ever since the start of the offseason program has backed that up.
Bernard is going to be fun to watch during his first season with the Steelers, and he doesn't seem to be lacking any confidence. He recently appeared on an episode of the Big Time Talks podcast, where he explained his mindset as he transitions to the NFL.
"I feel like, for me, stepping into those worlds, into the NFL, it's all about confidence for me," Bernard said. "Just knowing that I've been playing this game for a long time. Like yeah, you have guys around that have been in the league for a long time, but like you wouldn't be there if you weren't talented enough to play. So, yeah, let me step into here with some confidence and just do what I love to do and have fun with it."
A lot of younger players talk about the difference in the speed of the game when it comes to transitioning to the NFL, but Bernard seems to be completely confident in his own game heading into his rookie season. He believes his body of work speaks for itself, and it gives him the confidence to succeed.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers wide receiver Germie Bernard participates in OTAs at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2026 offseason.
It is worth noting that Bernard said this without coming off cocky or arrogant. He let his confidence shine through, but it was not anything overblown, which is a good sign in a wide receiver.
His confidence is likely to take a hit once the regular season gets going and he gets on the field. It is unrealistic to expect a rookie receiver to begin his career without any trials or tribulations, and it will be interesting to see how Bernard might respond in the face of adversity when presented with it at the NFL level.
Steelers' Roman Wilson Will Look To Ruin Some Of Germie Bernard's Confidence
Bernard is going to be fighting for the third wide receiver spot during training camp in Latrobe. Roman Wilson is looking to get his career back on track, and he and Bernard will be going toe to toe for snaps. Wilson showed some promising signs in 2025 as he was seemingly the only wide receiver that could consistently get separation on the roster, but he was benched near the end of the year due to some miscommunications with quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson flexes his muscles after a big time play on Sunday night against the Green Bay Packers in 2025.
Both Wilson and Bernard's relationship with the quarterback is going to be key in this position battle, as Rodgers could have some say as to who is on the field at wide receiver.
What do you think about Bernard's confidence entering his rookie season? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
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