Steelers Rookie Minicamp Offensive Preview: 5 players who need to make the best first impression possible in Pittsburgh this weekend
Here are 5 Steelers rookies who need to make big first-impressions at rookie minicamp this weekend in Pittsburgh.
The 2026 NFL Draft may be nearing two weeks old at this point, but for the first time since they were all drafted, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ rookie class will gather as one this weekend at rookie minicamp.
And while it won’t determine the outcome of their career, first impressions are lasting ones. So today, we are going to look at five offensive selections and name the one thing we want to see for them to come away with rave reviews after their first weekend in Pittsburgh.
Facts about 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh
- Over 320,000 people attended Round 1.
- Over 800,000 people were in Pittsburgh for the draft over its three days.
- Pittsburgh Steelers made 10 total selections.
QB Drew Allar: show off his traits
Look, everyone knows that Drew Allar fell to the third round because his development at Penn State never really kicked in. He struggled to decipher, anticipate, and process at an elite level.
At rookie minicamp, there won’t exactly be a full menu of exotic defenses and offensive installations. So for Allar, he just needs to go out there, play loose, let it rip, and show off his live arm and movement ability after surgery.
WR Germie Bernard: display his hands
Bernard is a player who many believe will be a “power slot” or in essence, a bigger-bodied WR who works the middle of the field as a possession and competitive catch target. Where Bernard shines is his ability to make contested catches that he has no business coming down with.
If he can make a few spectacular grabs over the weekend, that would go a long way in generating hype for the second-rounder.
OT Max Iheanachor: athleticism
The Steelers didn’t draft Max Iheanachor, thinking he’s a ready-made tackle, or at least I hope not. They took him 21st overall because they are betting on his upside. On his ability to turn raw traits like length and movement skills into a franchise skillset. Let’s see him get into some pass sets and look like a dancing bear.
PR/KR Kaden Wetjen: offensive skillset
There was a lot of controversy when the Steelers opened day three of their draft by selecting a returner, but it was a need nonetheless. We know that Wetjen can return, but he finished his career at Iowa with less than 200 receiving yards. If he can show the ability to run routes or even get vertical as a gadget player, he could make a tremendous first impression.
RB/WR Eli Heidenreich: versatility
If Heidenreich is going to make the Steelers’ 53-man roster, he’s going to need to be the Steelers’ replacement for Kenny Gainwell, in my opinion. A weapon out of the backfield who can be a change-of-pace back, but also run crisp routes when called upon. That starts by aligning all over the formation this weekend.
