Draft Day!

The 2026 NFL football draft took place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and over 800,000 people attended the three-day event from April 23 to the 24th. The day prior to the draft, I met up with my friend Missy, who works for an event-planning company in Los Angeles. She gave me an extended behind-the-scenes tour, and it was cool having a sneak preview before the big day arrived. We zoomed around on a golf cart and even saw commissioner Roger Goodell leaving Acrisure Stadium.

On Day 1 of the draft, my brother, nephew, and I found ourselves in the middle of a huge crowd, with thousands of fans decked out in their respective team jerseys. Everyone was having a good time, and I even got a hug from a fellow Steelers fan wearing the same jersey (Jack Lambert) as me. It was also cool seeing the Good-Year blimp flying overhead.

If there was a low point in the first round, it was the Eagles swooping in (pun intended) and drafting USC receiver Makai Lemon right before the Steelers were going to choose him. However, Pittsburgh was able to get a really nice consolation prize in Max Iheanachor, an offensive tackle from Arizona State. In the second round, the Steelers moved up and selected Germie Bernard, a versatile wide-receiver from Alabama.

On day 2 of the draft, I decided to watch the festivities from a comfortable seat in Acrisure Stadium. Concessions were nearby, and I appreciated not having to stand for 3-plus hours like my brother and nephew did again.

Were there any negatives? Concession prices were outrageous, with tall cans of beer going for 19 dollars and change. I half-jokingly told my brother the NFL probably made 50 million dollars in food and drinks sales alone. Aside from that, the NFL and Pittsburgh were excellent hosts. The weather cooperated, and I think most die-hard football fans went home very satisfied.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS 2026 DRAFT CLASS

Round 1 – Pick 21 Max Iheanachor, Offensive Tackle, Arizona State A late-blooming tackle who didn’t begin playing football until junior college, Iheanachor developed rapidly into an All–Big 12 performer. His length, power, and steady improvement made him a favorite of Pittsburgh’s scouts. The Steelers believe he can compete for early snaps depending on Broderick Jones’ health and long-term role.

Round 2 – Pick 47 Germie Bernard, Wide Receiver, Alabama A smooth, versatile receiver with inside-outside flexibility. Bernard became a priority target after the Steelers missed on Makai Lemon and traded up to secure him. He’s known for reliability, instincts, and toughness, and Pittsburgh expects him to contribute early regardless of the quarterback situation.

Round 3 – Pick 76 Drew Allar, Quarterback, Penn State A big-bodied, strong-armed passer who returned to school after a breakout 2024 season but missed time in 2025 due to injury. Allar enters a crowded quarterback room with Will Howard and Mason Rudolph while the team awaits Aaron Rodgers’ decision. Pittsburgh values his poise and long-term developmental upside.

Round 3 – Pick 85 Daylen Everette, Cornerback, Georgia A long, physical SEC corner who fits the Steelers’ preference for big boundary defenders. Everette brings press-man ability, recovery speed, and the competitiveness to push for rotational snaps early in his career.

Round 3 – Pick 96 Gennings Dunker, Guard, Iowa A powerful, athletic interior lineman known for toughness and run-game strength. Dunker fits the Steelers’ identity as a mauling guard and provides immediate depth with the potential to grow into a starter.

Round 4 – Pick 121 Kaden Wetjen, Wide Receiver/Return Specialist, Iowa A high-effort, dynamic playmaker who adds instant value on special teams. Wetjen projects as a return specialist with gadget-play potential on offense thanks to his speed and competitiveness.

Round 5 – Pick 169 Riley Nowakowski, Fullback/Tight End, Indiana A versatile hybrid who contributed to Indiana’s championship-caliber offense. Nowakowski offers blocking value, special-teams ability, and situational offensive flexibility in Pittsburgh’s evolving scheme.

Round 6 – Pick 210 Gabriel Rubio, Defensive Lineman, Notre Dame A stout, high-motor interior defender who adds rotational depth. Rubio brings size, strength, and run-stopping ability, fitting Pittsburgh’s need for developmental defensive line help.

Round 7 – Pick 224 Robert Spears-Jennings, Safety, Oklahoma A rangy, athletic safety with special-teams upside. Spears-Jennings offers versatility and developmental potential in the secondary, with the frame and movement skills the Steelers prefer.

Round 7 – Pick 230 Eli Heidenreich, Running Back/Wide Receiver, Navy A Pittsburgh-area native and emotional fan favorite. Heidenreich is a hybrid offensive weapon with speed and toughness who projects as a multipurpose depth piece and special-teams contributor.