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Steelers Rookie Stock Report: Germie Bernard Rises as Kaden Wetjen Falls at Halfway Point
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- Steelers Rookie Stock Report: Germie Bernard Rises as Kaden Wetjen Falls at Halfway Point
The Pittsburgh Steelers are 6-2 roughly halfway through the season . A big reason for that has been the play of key rookies. Each win has featured a critical contribution from a Steelers rookie who was a difference-maker in how the game played out.
With the Steelers on their bye week, it is a perfect time for a stock report on the rookie class. In addition to their draft picks, we will include some other big rookie contributions. Here is the Steelers rookie stock report at the halfway point:
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Max Iheanachor: Stock Up
Sep 27, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Max Iheanachor (71) looks to block against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Iheanachor has proven to be much more pro-ready than anyone expected. He was likely headed toward a developmental year in which the Steelers could get him on the field as a sixth offensive lineman at best.
However, Iheanachor wowed the organization in training camp and has truly earned his starting role. He's certainly had some tough rookie moments, reps and games. Still, his trajectory is sky-high as it stands today.
Kaden Wetjen: Stock Down
Oct 11, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Kaden Wetjen (10) is tackled by Indianapolis Colts safety Hunter Wohler (30) in the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
This has not been a fruitful draft pick. Though Wetjen had some good returns in Week 8, he has not been productive enough to warrant a fourth-round pick.
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It's especially discouraging that he hasn't even been considered as a receiver despite the injuries at the position.
Germie Bernard: Stock Up
Nov 1, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Germie Bernard (17) runs the ball during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Bernard has been just as impactful and a pleasant surprise. He has been an unexpected early contributor in the Steelers offense and has all but solidified himself as the WR2 in Pittsburgh.
Whether or not Bernard lives up to comparisons to Randall Cobb and other receivers, he is becoming a steady and reliable target for his quarterback.
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Gabriel Rubio: Stock Up
Sep 27, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Gabriel Rubio (96) takes the field to warm up against the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
The most pleasant surprise of the Steelers rookie draft class has been Rubio. He was called upon because of injuries on the defensive line and has been stellar against the run.
He has also shown some pass-rush flashes and exceptional effort even when he isn't making the big play.
Kevin Jobity Jr.: Stock Up
Nov 1, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) is sacked by linebacker T.J. Watt (90) and defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) and defensive tackle Kevin Jobity Jr. (92) during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Jobity wasn't picked in the NFL Draft, but he is looking like a home run as an undrafted free agent signing. Like Rubio, he has been called upon to step up and has delivered productive performances.
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Jobity got his big chance in Week 8 and sacked Deshaun Watson in the process .
Gennings Dunker: Stock Down
Jul 30, 2026; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers guard Gennings Dunker (73) participates in training camp drills at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Dunker's stock drop isn't performance-related. He is simply facing a tough rookie season on injured reserve. The injury is costing him opportunities to contribute and hindering his development.
2027 may be a critical season for Dunker.
Robert Spears-Jennings: Stock Up
Nov 1, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers safety Robert Spears-Jennings (28) tackles Cleveland Browns wide receiver KC Concepcion (1) during the second quarter of an NFL game at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
It's one thing to play well as a fill-in because of an injury or subpar play by a veteran. Spears-Jennings, however, is now keeping DeShon Elliott on the sideline. Part of that could be Elliott reacclimating after a long injury recovery.
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Still, Spears-Jennings' performance has made it very tough to keep him off the field.
Eli Heidenreich: Stock Down
Sep 13, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Eli Heidenreich (29) warms up for a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Heidenreich was a seventh-round pick, but his stock has taken a slight dip because he has been a healthy scratch. Granted, he was always going to be a special teamer as a rookie, but it's interesting that the Steelers have chosen veterans over him on special teams.
This is probably a developmental year for Heidenreich, and he could see more special teams opportunities later this season.
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This story was originally published by Athlon on Nov 5, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
