NFL Draft writer Dane Brugler predicts that Pittsburgh Steelers' fifth-round pick, tight end Riley Nowakowski, will have a decade-long career in the NFL. The Steelers made 10 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, with Nowakowski being a standout selection.
Pittsburgh Steelers fifth-round draft pick tight end Riley Nowakowski
NFL Draft Writer Says Steelers' Late-Round Pick Will 'Play In The NFL For A Decade' originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Add SportsNet Pittsburgh as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the 2026 NFL Draft with the most picks at 12 selections.
Following some trades, the Steelers ended up making 10 picks and there was one that stood out to NFL Draft writer Dane Brugler of The Athletic.
Brugler broke down his "2026 NFL Draft team-by-team rankings" on Monday, analyzing the "best and worst classes, from 1 to 32."
Pittsburgh ranked 17th on the national NFL writer's list.
Brugler praised the selection of Indiana tight end Riley Nowakowski, who was taken in the fifth round with the 169th overall pick.
"One of my favorite players in the class, Nowakowski is an extremely useful player because of his ability to impact the offense as both a blocker and pass catcher. He is going to play in the NFL for a decade, thanks to that proven versatility," he wrote.
Riley Nowakowski is a tight end drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Pittsburgh Steelers made a total of 10 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Dane Brugler stated that Riley Nowakowski will likely play in the NFL for a decade.
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Nowakowski played five seasons at Wisconsin before transferring to Indiana for the Hoosiers' 2025 national championship campaign.
He finished fifth on the team in receptions (32) and receiving yards (387) during the 2025 season.