Full Breakdown
Steelers 2026 Draft: Winners, Losers, and Roster Impact
4/28/2026, 9:32:31 PM
Core Event – 2026 Draft Overview
On April 28, 2026 the Pittsburgh Steelers selected ten players in the NFL Draft, opening with right tackle Max Iheanachor (No. 21 overall). The club traded up from No. 99 to No. 96 to grab Iowa guard Gennings Dunker, added Alabama wideout Germie Bernard (No. 47), Penn State quarterback Drew Allar (No. 76), and a mix of defensive backs, linemen and special-teamers through the seventh round, including Navy’s Eli Heidenreich.
Background & Context – Offseason Needs
After a 2025 season that missed the playoffs, Pittsburgh entered the draft with a thin offensive line, limited receiver depth behind Metcalf and Pittman, and a linebacker corps that had not been refreshed. The front office emphasized “offensive-first” upgrades, yet retained most defensive starters, leaving several veterans vulnerable to new competition.
Winners – Players Gaining Security or Opportunity
- Patrick Queen (LB) – retained on a $41 million deal after no linebacker was drafted.
- Keeanu Benton (DL) – contract year turned into a potential extension after the team passed on a defensive-line pick.
- Malik Harrison and Cole Holcomb (LBs) – benefited from the absence of a rookie linebacker.
- Christian Kuntz (LS) & Cameron Johnston (P) – remained unchallenged despite four late-round picks.
- Germie Bernard (WR) – praised for versatility; expected to become the third receiver.
- Gennings Dunker (OG) – projected to compete for the left-guard starter spot immediately.
- Max Iheanachor (OT) – long-term answer at tackle, though development is expected.
- Kaden Wetjen (WR/RS) – slated to be the primary return specialist.
- Drew Allar (QB) – retained as a developmental backup with potential future starter upside.
- Eli Heidenreich (RB/WR) – viewed as a “Swiss-army-knife” late-round value.
- Jaquan Brisker & DeShon Elliott (S) – unaffected by the draft’s defensive selections.
Losers – Players Facing Increased Competition
- Asante Samuel Jr. & Brandin Echols (CB) – displaced by Daylen Everette’s selection.
- Cory Trice Jr. & Donte Kent (CB) – roster spots threatened by additional defensive backs.
- Sebastian Castro (CB) – competition from Robert Spears-Jennings.
- Logan Lee (DT) – challenged by sixth-round pick Gabriel Rubio.
- Roman Wilson (WR) – overtaken on the depth chart by Bernard and the new offensive scheme.
- Broderick Jones (OT) – injury concerns and the addition of Iheanachor reduced his role.
- Brock Hoffman (OL) – supplanted by Dunker at guard.
- Mason Rudolph (QB) – unlikely to make the roster with Rodgers, Allar and Howard ahead.
Official Statements & Analyst Responses
Fox Sports analyst Rob Rang awarded the draft an A-grade, noting the “gifted young tackle Max Iheanachor” and the “versatile weapon” Bernard. Steelers staff highlighted Bernard’s ability to line up inside or outside and contribute on special teams. Head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed a preference for Allar over Carson Beck during pre-draft discussions. The organization also signed undrafted free agents, including tight end Lake McRee, to bolster depth.
Criticism & Opposition
ClutchPoints projected that Iheanachor would start fewer than five games as a rookie and labeled Allar a “reach.” The same outlet warned that Bernard might catch fewer than 40 passes without a clear quarterback. Safety depth was flagged as a concern, with Darnell Savage still unsigned.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Roman Wilson’s status—some list him as a clear loser, others note his future remains “grey.” Patrick Queen’s situation is described both as a secured starter and as a trade-speculation target. No official roster cuts have been announced, leaving the final depth-chart uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “… I like the investment in gifted young tackle Max Iheanachor at No. 21 overall, even if it was a pivot after the Eagles swooped in to nab wideout Makai Lemon a pick earlier,” — Rob Rang, Fox Sports analyst
- “If the Steelers were at all soured by losing out on Lemon, Khan turned it into lemonade a round later by nabbing Germie Bernard, a similarly versatile weapon.” — Rob Rang
- “I wasn't surprised because I knew they liked him,” — Gerry Dulac, Steelers reporter (on Allar)
- “ “He has an uncanny ability to win through traffic for contested catches, showing a very strong frame and firm hands.” — Ryan Roberts, A to Z Sports
What’s Next – Training Camp and Roster Decisions
The Steelers will enter OTAs and training camp in July, where rookies such as Bernard, Iheanachor, Dunker, Allar and Heidenreich will compete for roster spots. Final cuts to the 53-man roster are expected in late August, and any lingering trade talks—particularly involving Patrick Queen—will be resolved before the regular season begins.
