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Steelers Trade Up, Draft Alabama WR Germie Bernard

4/25/2026

Summary

Steelers Draft Bernard

The Pittsburgh Steelers chose Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard with the 47th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after trading up six spots with the Indianapolis Colts.
He recorded 64 receptions for 862 yards and seven touchdowns in 2025, with analysts noting his superior blocking ability.
The pick addresses Pittsburgh’s receiver-room needs after acquiring Michael Pittman Jr., with tight-ends coach Brian Angelichio praising Bernard’s versatility and willingness to block.

Summary

Ballard Trades Picks

Steelers GM Chris Ballard said the trade swapped pick 47 and 249 for picks 53, 135 and 237, giving each side 125 points.
Indianapolis now has eight picks: 53, 78, 113, 135, 156, 214, 237, 254.
The team targeted interior tackle Christen Miller (Georgia), edge rusher Zion Young (Missouri), safety Louis Moore (Indiana) with six interceptions, and running back Nick Singleton, who recovered from a broken metatarsal.

History

Historical Context

Since the Colts acquired the Jets’ 1998 first-overall pick to select Peyton Manning—one of the franchise’s seven overall #1 choices—the team has routinely used draft swaps to fill needs. In 2026 the Steelers followed that pattern, sending picks 47 and 249 to Indianapolis for three later selections and securing wide receiver Germie Bernard, echoing the Colts’ long-standing trade-driven roster strategy.

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Steelers Draft Bernard

The Pittsburgh Steelers chose Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard with the 47th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after trading up six spots with the Indianapolis Colts.
He recorded 64 receptions for 862 yards and seven touchdowns in 2025, with analysts noting his superior blocking ability.
The pick addresses Pittsburgh’s receiver-room needs after acquiring Michael Pittman Jr., with tight-ends coach Brian Angelichio praising Bernard’s versatility and willingness to block.

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