Longtime NFL analyst Greg Cosell gave Pittsburgh Steelers
' second-round pick Germie Bernard
a ringing endorsement during an appearance on the Ross Tucker Football Podcast.
"He's a Steeler," Cosell told Tucker. "Because he's a really good football player. Physical, competitive, tough, knows how to run routes. Probably a little deceptive with his burst and acceleration. He's not a burner, but he has a little more than you think. He got on top of corners at times at Alabama, and that's in the SEC…
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"He's polished, refined wide receiver. You can line him up anywhere in your formation. And he's just tough and competitive. Because of that, he's got run-after-catch element to his game… When people think of Pittsburgh and the Steelers and the history and the toughness, he fits all of that."
The Steelers heavily scouted Bernard ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft
. Pittsburgh brought Bernard in for a pre-draft visit and had a formal meeting with him at the NFL Combine.
Coming out of Alabama, Bernard brings a skill set shaped in one of college football's most demanding systems. Known for his polished route running, ability to create separation, and sure hands on money downs, with only four drops on 232 career third down targets, he has shown flashes of being a reliable target in both short and intermediate areas. His experience against top-tier SEC competition only adds to his appeal. Bernard was a 2-year starter at Alabama after transferring from Washington
, he finished his senior season with 64 catches for 862 yards and 7 touchdowns, averaging 13.5 yards per reception.
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Bernard, who started his college career at Michigan State, is a Las Vegas
native. He played his high school ball at Liberty High School in Henderson, Nevada. Bernard and Steelers offensive tackle Troy Fautanu
were high school teammates in 2018. Bernard was a freshman and Fautanu a senior. Bernard reconnected with Fautanu at Washington in 2023, as well.
Bernard led Alabama in receptions in each of the last two seasons. He is a versatile receiver who is not afraid to do the dirty work. He's a willing blocker, which should make him a good fit in Pittsburgh.
Daire Carragher of Pro Football Focus thinks that the Steelers pairing Bernard with veterans DK Metcalf
and Michael Pittman
Jr. can help take the offense to another level.
"Bernard aligned out wide on 62% of snaps at Alabama last season, but his route-running ability, reliable hands, and short-area quickness project best in the slot. If his collegiate production translates quickly to the NFL, the Steelers could field one of the league's most dangerous, passing attacks, assuming quarterback play does not become the limiting factor," Carragher wrote
. "Defenses will also be forced to devote significant attention to the size and physicality of Metcalf and Pittman
, both of whom have recorded four seasons with at least 15 contestant catches."
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This article originally appeared on Steelers Now
: Analyst Tabs Steelers Rookie as Perfect Fit: 'He's a Steeler'
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