After addressing premium spots early in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers entered Day 3 looking to build depth, improve special teams, and add players who fit the franchise’s physical identity. Pittsburgh made five selections on the final day, and while there are a few intriguing fits, Sportsvival believes they may have reached at times and left some talent on the board.
Round 4, Pick 121
WR/KR Kaden Wetjen, Iowa
Height/Weight: 5-foot-9, 193 pounds
Wetjen was one of the most dangerous return men in college football and gives Pittsburgh an immediate special teams weapon. He brings burst, vision, and the ability to change field position in one play.
Pros:
Elite return value, quickness in space, dangerous with the ball in his hands, instant special teams contributor.
Cons:
This felt early for a return-first player. If he does not become a real offensive contributor, fourth-round value is fair to question.
How He Fits Pittsburgh:
He should compete immediately for punt and kick return duties. If used creatively on offense, he can outplay this slot.
Round 5, Pick 169
FB/TE Riley Nowakowski, Indiana
Height/Weight: 6-foot-2, 250 pounds
Nowakowski is a rugged hybrid piece who can line up at fullback, tight end, or H-back. He is the type of dirty-work player coaches love.
Pros:
Physical blocker, versatile alignment piece, special teams upside, blue-collar style.
Cons:
Fullbacks and hybrid blockers are hard to justify this high unless they become key contributors. This may have been a reach based on board value.
How He Fits Pittsburgh:
This is a classic Steelers-style pick. He helps the run game, short-yardage packages, and roster toughness.
Round 6, Pick 210
DL Gabriel Rubio, Notre Dame
Height/Weight: 6-foot-5, 316 pounds
Rubio gives Pittsburgh size on the defensive front and developmental upside as a rotational lineman.
Pros:
NFL frame, strength at point of attack, run-stuffing traits, fits Steelers defensive mold.
Cons:
Injury history and limited production raise concerns. Some more proven talent may have still been available here.
How He Fits Pittsburgh:
He adds depth to the defensive line room and could develop into a useful rotational player.
Round 7, Pick 224
S Robert Spears-Jennings, Oklahoma
Height/Weight: 6-foot-1, 219 pounds
Spears-Jennings is a physical downhill safety who brings toughness and special teams value.
Pros:
Strong tackler, aggressive style, forces turnovers, core special teams potential.
Cons:
Coverage range is the question. He may be limited to box safety duties.
How He Fits Pittsburgh:
A smart late-round Steelers type selection who can earn his keep through physicality and special teams play.
Round 7, Pick 230
RB/WR Eli Heidenreich, Navy
Height/Weight: 6-foot, 198 pounds
A Pittsburgh native, Heidenreich is one of the more interesting late-round picks. He was productive at Navy as both a runner and receiver.
Pros:
Versatile, athletic, productive, competitive, can handle multiple roles.
Cons:
Scheme transition from Navy to the NFL will be an adjustment. Must prove he has a true defined role.
How He Fits Pittsburgh:
He can compete as a gadget player, depth runner, slot option, and special teamer. Worth the gamble this late.
Sportsvival gives the Pittsburgh Steelers a C+ for their 2026 NFL Draft class.
There were some quality additions. Max Iheanachor has long-term starter potential, Drew Allar gives Pittsburgh a developmental quarterback with upside, and Daylen Everette could become a quality value pick.
But overall, this class felt like one where Pittsburgh reached at times. Some Day 3 selections were taken earlier than expected, while several higher-upside prospects still appeared available. The Steelers clearly drafted for toughness, culture, and fit, but may not have maximized overall board value.
If a few of these middle-round picks outperform expectations, this grade can rise quickly. For now, C+ feels fair — solid additions, but Pittsburgh may have left some talent on the board.