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Germie Bernard Draws JuJu Smith-Schuster Comparison From Steelers Legend
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- Germie Bernard Draws JuJu Smith-Schuster Comparison From Steelers Legend
One of the Pittsburgh Steelers rookies looking to make an impact sooner rather than later is Germie Bernard . The former Alabama wide receiver had a strong preseason debut with five receptions for 64 yards and a touchdown. He could become a reliable option his rookie season.
Bernard brings a versatile skill set that could help him earn playing time quickly. He has reliable hands, can line up both in the slot and on the boundary, and possesses an exceptional ability to create yards after the catch. He's also a willing blocker in the running game, giving him another way to contribute on offense. One former Steelers linebacker sees similarities between Bernard and a former Pittsburgh star receiver who made an immediate impact as a rookie.
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Vince Williams joined Steelers Nation Radio for the Steelers Blitz and made a strong comparison between Bernard and JuJu Smith-Schuster . Smith-Schuster enjoyed a breakout rookie season in 2017, finishing with 917 receiving yards and seven touchdowns while quickly becoming a key part of Pittsburgh's offense.
Williams Compares Germie Bernard to JuJu Smith-Schuster
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) catches a pass as Cincinnati Bengals defensive back Darqueze Dennard (21) guards him during a Week 6 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati.
Williams believes Bernard could find himself in a similar situation because of the veteran talent surrounding him. Smith-Schuster entered a receiver room that included Antonio Brown and Martavis Bryant while playing alongside veteran quarterback Ben Roethlisberger . Bernard now has a similar opportunity with DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr. , and veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers leading the offense.
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"He's a rookie, but I think he's kind of in the JuJu [Smith-Schuster] mold. If guys remember how JuJu came on that rookie season. That rookie season he had veteran wide receivers, a star wide receiver, a veteran quarterback. [Germie Bernard] could play the three-receiver role. He'll be underneath. Aaron Rodgers loves the underneath passing game, and you see his run-after-catch ability. You see his ability to get in there and catch the ball and, like, turn a five-yard catch into a 10-yard play." Williams said.
Bernard Could Benefit From Steelers' Veteran Talent Like JuJu Did
Aug 27, 2026; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Germie Bernard (17) avoids a tackle by Buffalo Bills defensive back Maxwell Hairston (31) during the first quarter at New Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Bernard probably won't be asked to immediately become the focal point of the Steelers' passing attack and that could work in his favor. With Metcalf and Pittman expected to command significant attention from opposing defenses, Bernard could find opportunities underneath and in space.
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Rodgers' willingness to attack the short and intermediate areas of the field could also maximize Bernard's run-after-catch ability. Head coach Mike McCarthy's west coast offensive approach also makes this a huge factor. If the rookie consistently makes the first defender miss and turns short completions into explosive plays, his role could grow quickly.
Smith-Schuster's rookie season is a lofty comparison, but Bernard has the opportunity to follow a similar path: learn from established veterans, take advantage of favorable matchups, and make an immediate impact without necessarily shouldering the offense.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Sep 4, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
