The Pittsburgh Steelers have called on their rookies early and often this season and this group from the 2026 NFL Draft have delivered for the most part. It's the bye week and the middle of the season, so let's hand out some grades for the rookie class.
Offensive tackle Max Iheanachor - C+
After trading away Broderick Jones, it was a matter of time until Iheanachor took over the starting right tackle spot. For the most part, Iheanachor has been solid given his lack of experience but he needs to shore up the lapses in pass protection to get this grade up.
Wide receiver Germie Bernard - A
We loved the Bernard pick and he's done nothing to change our minds. With the injuries to Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson, Bernard has been thrust into the starting lineup and has been the best receiver on the team during that
stretch.
Quarterback Drew Allar - Incomplete
Allar has been holding a roster spot as the team's No. 4 quarterback and has been a complete non-factor.
Cornerback Daylen Everett - A
Everett slid in the draft due to confidence but has stepped up when asked this season, taking starter reps and playing well beyond his draft slot.
Guard Gennings Dunker - Incomplete
We hope to give Dunker a grade at the end of the season, assume he comes off IR and can contribute.
Wide receiver Kaden Wetjen - F
Spending a pick on a return specialist is bad. Spending a pick on one who isn't elite is worse.
Fullback Riley Nowakowski - F
Another wasted pick when there were much better players on the board. Been a non-factor this season.
Defensive tackle Gabe Rubio - D
Rubio has only played 70 snaps this season which you might think warrants an incomplete but he was selected on a flyer and even with a rash of injuries, hasn't cracked the rotation.
Safety Robert Spears-Jennings - A
Getting a rookie starter out of a seventh-round pick is remarkable and Pittsburgh absolutely nailed this choice.
Running back Eli Heidenreich - Incomplete
With how well Jaylen Warren has played, there's no place for Heidenreich, so like Allar, he's an incomplete.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Grading the Steelers rookies at the bye week
