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Steelers Draft Wetjen, Nowakowski, Heidenreich in Final Picks

4/27/2026

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Summary

Steelers Draft Picks

The Steelers had 12 draft slots and had used 10 by Saturday.
They selected Iowa return specialist Kaden Wetjen (No. 4, 121) and Wisconsin fullback Riley Nowakowski (No. 5, 169) after Wetjen posted 1,055 and 1,039 return yards in 2024-25.
In the seventh round they drafted Naval Academy receiver Eli Heidenreich (No. 230), who holds 1,994 career yards and 16 touchdowns, receiving a hug from Commissioner Roger Goodell.

Summary

Ravens Draft Graded

SB Nation ran a fan poll that graded the Ravens' 2026 draft, tallying 32 votes.
Jason La Canfora used a W-T-F letter scale to rate each selection, with analyst Chad Reuter awarding a B+ and calling Vega Ioane a solid mid-first-round pick.
GM Eric DeCosta traded up in the fourth round to select SMU tight end Matthew Hibner, keeping 11 picks total and adding tight ends Hibner and Josh Cuevas.

History

Historical Context

When the Patriots chose Tom Brady with the 199th overall pick in the 2000 NFL draft, new head coach Bill Belichick took control of personnel, turning a late-round gamble into a dynasty. The 2026 Steelers and Ravens, each reshaping rosters through ten selections and a trade-up for Matthew Hibner, echo that strategy, showing how low-profile picks can alter franchise fortunes.

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Steelers Draft Picks

The Steelers had 12 draft slots and had used 10 by Saturday.
They selected Iowa return specialist Kaden Wetjen (No. 4, 121) and Wisconsin fullback Riley Nowakowski (No. 5, 169) after Wetjen posted 1,055 and 1,039 return yards in 2024-25.
In the seventh round they drafted Naval Academy receiver Eli Heidenreich (No. 230), who holds 1,994 career yards and 16 touchdowns, receiving a hug from Commissioner Roger Goodell.

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