Will Every Steelers Rookie Make the 53-Man Roster?

The Pittsburgh Steelers added 10 players during the 2026 NFL Draft, addressing needs across the roster while continuing to build for both the present and the future.

Some of those selections appear to have clear paths to the 53-man roster, while others face an uphill climb as training camp and the preseason unfold. As always, injuries, special teams contributions, and preseason performances will ultimately determine who sticks around when final roster cuts arrive.

Here’s a look at each rookie’s chances of making the Steelers’ initial 53-man roster.

Max Iheanachor

First-round picks rarely enter training camp fighting for a roster spot, and Iheanachor is no exception. The rookie offensive tackle was drafted to become part of Pittsburgh’s long-term plans up front and should have every opportunity to carve out a significant role immediately.

Verdict: Lock

Germie Bernard

Bernard enters camp with plenty of excitement surrounding his potential. The Steelers drafted him to add speed and playmaking ability to their receiving corps, which has lacked depth and playmakers for several seasons.

Unless something unexpected happens, he should comfortably earn a roster spot.

Verdict: Lock

Drew Allar

The biggest question surrounding Allar isn’t whether he’s talented enough: it’s how the Steelers want to construct their quarterback room.

As a third-round selection from a new coaching staff, it’s clear the team believes he has a future, making it difficult to imagine him not making the roster.

Verdict: Lock

Daylen Everette

The Steelers continued investing in their secondary this offseason with the selection of Everette. Oddly, he’s being left out of most conversations despite being a third round pick, because the Steelers had three third round selections.

Everette surprised those in attendance during offseason workouts. He gives Pittsburgh another young cornerback capable of developing behind an experienced group.

His draft status alone makes him a strong favorite to survive final cuts while contributing on special teams early in his career.

Verdict: Also a lock

Gennings Dunker

Offensive line depth is always valuable, especially for a team that has made rebuilding the trenches a priority. Enter Gennings Dunker, the last of the three third round draft picks the Steelers made in 2026.

A college tackle converting to guard, he is competing for a possible starting role and could secure his place with a strong preseason.

Verdict: Locked and loaded

Kaden Wetjen

The first pick that made some folks scratch their heads, Wetjen was the most prolific returner in college. His receiving stats, on the other hand, were paltry, but expected with how Iowa operates a run-heavy offensive scheme.

He enters a competition that’s not very deep on paper: DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman are the starters, while fellow rookie Germie Bernard has a higher draft pedigree. There’s still plenty of room on the roster, as third-year receiver Roman Wilson is looking to bounce back with a new coaching staff, and the only other accomplished receiver, Ben Skowronek, is known more for his special teams play as well.

Wetjen’s versatility and potential value as a return specialist should significantly improve his chances, but he’ll need to prove he can contribute beyond receiver.

Verdict: Likely in

Riley Nowakowski

Nowakowski’s versatility may be his biggest asset. Whether lining up as a traditional tight end, a fullback, or helping on special teams, he’ll need to convince the coaching staff he offers enough flexibility to justify a roster spot.

That could be difficult given another rookie further down this list, and the possibility that the team carries additional running backs or receivers for special teams play too.

Verdict: On the Bubble

Gabriel Rubio

The Steelers have invested heavily along the defensive line in recent years, creating one of the deepest position groups on the roster.

Rubio will have an opportunity to compete, but earning snaps in such a crowded room won’t be easy.

Verdict: Bubble/Possible Practice Squad

Robert Spears-Jennings

The safety room features established veteran starters, but zero depth outside of DeShon Elliott or Jaquan Brisker: meaning Spears-Jennings will need to earn his place through special teams but a backup role is far from out of reach.

As a seventh-round pick, he’ll have to prove he belongs on an NFL roster.

Verdict: On the Bubble/Likely In

Eli Heidenreich

Heidenreich’s story is incredible. The local product was a standout at Navy, and was able to use a deferment to be drafted in Pittsburgh, by Pittsburgh.

If that’s all the further his chapters are written, it will still go down as a feel good moment. Yet, there appears to be a path for him to make the roster.

With receiver tendencies – and a lack of proven receiver depth – Heidenreich becomes one of the more fascinating rookies to watch.

If Mike McCarthy sees a consistent role for Eli in the offense, his chances improve considerably. Otherwise, versatility on special teams may determine his future.

Verdict: On the Bubble

Will All 10 Make It?

It’s difficult to picture all three of the picks taken beyond pick 200 – Rubio, Spears-Jennings, and Heidenreich – to stick this season. Ten total new players on a roster that had few holes also makes the odds that all ten make the final 53-man roster as well.

While early-round draft picks almost always make the initial roster, Day 3 selections often find themselves battling for the final handful of spots. Several of Pittsburgh’s late-round rookies possess the versatility and special teams ability necessary to stick, but it’s unlikely every member of the draft class survives final cuts.

Training camp and the preseason will ultimately determine who separates themselves from the pack. If a few late-round selections outperform expectations, however, the Steelers could once again find themselves keeping one of their deepest rookie classes in recent memory.