WR Germie Bernard will provide Steelers exactly what they need

Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Germie Bernard. David Leong-Imagn Images

WR Germie Bernard will provide Steelers exactly what they need

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated Apr 25, 2026 2:23 PM ET

After failing to grab a receiver in the first round, and even getting embarrassed in their pursuit, the Pittsburgh Steelers found their guy in Germie Bernard with the 47th overall pick in the second round.

And while some Steelers fans will probably always follow Makai Lemon's career and wonder "what if" since Pittsburgh called him before the Philadelphia Eagles swooped in, Bernard could end up being a blessing in disguise.

Germie Bernard has the makeup to work well in the NFL

An Alabama product with four years of major conference experience all over the country, Bernard has a 6-foot-1, 204-pound frame and an physical style that will fit perfectly in Pittsburgh and new head coach Mike McCarthy's offense.

"He's a clutch player. He's made a lot of big catches for Alabama in critical moments. You see that's where they were going with the ball, and you always want that in a player," Steelers offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio said after the Bernard pick.

Germie Bernard can do it ALL on the football field. A Deebo-type player but with better route running & WR traits Steelers fans y’all got a good one with Mr. Bernard #herewego #nfldraft pic.twitter.com/zJcgBbGuzM
— Steve Smith Sr. (@SteveSmithSr89) April 25, 2026

Bernard enjoyed a breakout season to cap off his college career in 2025, catching 64 passes for 862 yards and scoring seven touchdowns.

Preceding his senior season, Bernard recorded 50 receptions for 794 yards and a pair of scores at Alabama. He also spent a season at Washington during the Huskies' run to the College Football Playoff's national championship game in 2023 and started his college career at Michigan State.

Germie Bernard has an ability to gain yards after the catch

Bernard's strength makes him difficult to tackle up the middle, and his speed — he ran a 4.48 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine — makes him explosive. Statistically, Bernard's 14.2 yards per reception stands out, especially his 15.9 mark he registered in 2024.

Pairing Bernard with veterans like Michael Pittman Jr. and DK Metcalf will provide the rookie with model examples of how to achieve NFL success. Thanks to the draft, the Steelers now have a deeper receiver room, even if it us one built in a different way than initially planned.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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