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Realistic rookie expectations for each of the Steelers draft picks
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- Realistic rookie expectations for each of the Steelers draft picks
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 eventually supplant Dylan Cook as the team's starting right tackle.
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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. We do like the idea of him being able to move around the formation and free up the other receivers to move around.
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. He's been tremendous in minicamps and is quickly climbing the depth chart to the point he could be the first outside cornerback off the bench.
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OL Gennings Dunker
Of all the rookies, Dunker might be the player who ends up fast-tracked into the starting lineup. He might not be the starting left guard Week One but we do expect him to take over the job at some point during the season.
WR Kaden Wetjen
We didn't like the idea of taking a return specialist in the fourth round but here we are. Wetjen will be the team's primary kick and punt returner which makes him the team's No. 5 wide receiver.
FB Riley Nowakowski
Nowakowski will make the team by default but we don't expect to see him having any serious impact on offense unless there's an injury to Pat Freiermuth or Darnell Washington .
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DT Gabriel Rubio
This year's nepotism pick, Rubio has basically one good game of film from last season. The Steelers cut most of their backup defensive lineman loose this offseasason so just from that, Rubio could end up making the roster but he is a better fit on the practice squad.
S Robert Spears-Jennings
Spears-Jennings is a pure run-stuffing strong safety and could develop into a rotational player if Jalen Ramsey moves back to corner. But realistically, Spears-Jennings is a great option for the practice squad in 2026.
RB Eli Heidenreich
Heidenreich is the guy fans are going to crush on all offseason and will be the training camp MVP for the fanbase. But the reality is he's got a strong chance to make the team as the team's RB4 if the team keeps that many backs, but if he can make an impact on special teams, he will earn his shot early. He could even sneak into the RB3 spot if Kaleb Johnson struggles.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Realistic rookie expectations for each of the Steelers draft picks
