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Breaking down the Steelers 2026 draft class: Best picks, sleepers, overall assessment
TL;DR
The Pittsburgh Steelers' 2026 draft class received mixed grades, ranging from A- to C-. Key picks include Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard and offensive lineman Gennings Dunker.
Key points
- Steelers' 2026 draft class had diverse grades
- Germie Bernard is a versatile offensive weapon
- Gennings Dunker expected to start at left guard
Germie BernardGennings DunkerPittsburgh Steelers
The 2026 NFL draft class for the Pittsburgh Steelers went a full 10 picks and there's almost no consensus among the fanbase. Grades across the internet varied from an A- to a C- which fits with just how diverse this draft class was. Let's go over the picks and offer up the best picks, worst picks, our biggest sleeper pick and our overall assessment of the draft class.
Best picks
The easy choice here is former Alabama wide receiver, Germie Bernard. Bernard is a legitimate weapon on offense who can line up anywhere from split wide receiver to in the backfield. Bernard helps improve the worst positional unit on the team from last season.
Our other best pick is offensive lineman Gennings Dunker. We are confident Dunker can kick inside and play guard, and he's going to be fast-tracked to the starting left guard spot. After passing on guard for the team's first four picks, landing Dunker was huge get.
Worst picks
The two worst picks of the draft were back-to-back. Indiana tight end Riley Nowakowski and defensive tackle Gabriel Rubio were taken with the No. 169 and No. 210 picks, respectively, and both guys were grossly over-drafted based on the consensus big board. They both have the good fortune of being playing positions of significant need so both could make the team but neither guy makes their positional units better.
Sleeper pick
It's unlikely most Steelers' fans knew who Robert Spears-Jennings was before he was drafted. But as a Sooner fan, I've watched him play extensively for the past three seasons and he absolutely has potential to be a starting strong safety who focuses on playing in the box and working downhill against the run.
Overall assessment
Even though two of three of these rookies might play in 2026, this draft class is built for the future. There could be six of seven 2027 starters in this draft class if a few things fall right. I'm not sure how much better the team is in 2026 because of these picks but ultimately we all know it's the quarterback that will make or break this season.
Q&A
Who were the best picks in the Steelers 2026 draft class?
The best picks include Germie Bernard, a versatile wide receiver from Alabama, and offensive lineman Gennings Dunker.
What grades did the Steelers 2026 draft class receive?
The grades for the Steelers' 2026 draft class varied widely, with assessments ranging from A- to C-.
What is the significance of Gennings Dunker's selection for the Steelers?
Gennings Dunker's selection is significant as he is expected to fill the starting left guard position, addressing a critical need on the offensive line.
