Realistic rookie expectations for each of the Steelers draft picks
Now that the dust has settled on the Steelers 2026 NFL Draft lets make a realistic rookie projection about each pick.
Between now and the start of the NFL regular season, there is going to be plenty of speculation about how much the Pittsburgh Steelers rookie class will play in 2026. The fanbase is divided about this group but here are our most realistic rookie expectations for each of the rookie class. OT Max Iheanachor The reality is the Steelers like Iheanachor a lot and taking him tells us a lot about where the team is with Broderick jones.
Our prediction is that as a rookie, Iheanachor is going to be an early starter if Jones isn't ready to go and the top reserve if he can play. WR Germie Bernard We love Bernard's versatility and expect him to slide into the WR3 slot immediately. He's going to get plenty of snaps but probably not a ton of targets as a rookie.
QB Drew Allar Once Aaron Rodgers signs, the clock starts for Mason Rudolph and the battle between Will Howard and Allar. Realistically, Allar ends up the No. 3 quarterback and is inactive most weeks.
CB Daylen Everett Everett is an ultra athletic football player but is very raw. We expect him to make the final roster but could be the inactive extra cornerback until he gets coached up and improves his consistency in coverage. OL Gennings Dunker Of all the rookies, Dunker might be the player who ends up fast-tracked into the starting lineup.