Rookie wide receiver’s first impression may already have Roman Wilson behind the eight-ball with Steelers’ new coaching staff
The Steelers hosted their rookie minicamp over the weekend, and based on some of the comments from head coach Mike McCarthy, it might be safe to say that one rookie has a leg up on Roman Wilson.
The Pittsburgh Steelers hosted all 10 of their 2026 NFL Draft picks, UDFA’s, and even some NFL veterans over the weekend at the team facility. Mike McCrathy and co cut the gathering short, as he said he wanted the players to be home for Mother’s Day, but there were still plenty of takeaways.
One of the biggest was what Mike thought of rookie WR Germie Bernard. Well, he had some high praise.
Germie Bernard 2025 Stats at Alabama
- 64 receptions.
- 862 receiving yards.
- 9 touchdowns.
Mike McCarthy praises rookie WR Germie Bernard at 2026 minicamp
“We wanted to go full speed as far as how we line up, how we communicate, how we shift and motion”, McCarthy said regarding Bernard via the Pittsburgh Steelers YouTube channel.
“We just wanted to really get the communication, everybody to fit, no different with the routes. Football comes easy to him. His understanding is very high. Doesn’t blink. I love his demeanor. You can see why his versatility in college definitely carries over. I think he’s been an excellent fit for us.”
Does Germie Bernard already have the upper hand over Roman Wilson?
I feel it’s fairly obvious that when a team uses a second-round pick on a WR (a pick they traded up for, by the way), they view him in high regard, and as an impactful year-one player.
Well, we know DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. are the 1-2 punch on the perimeter. The question becomes, who will be wide receiver No.3? To me, that answer is Germie Bernard for multiple reasons.
The foremost is that not only has Roman Wilson struggled to make a tangible impact in Pittsburgh during his first two seasons, but the new coaching staff pledges no allegiance to him. Beyond that, Germie Bernard is the prototype they want. Physical and versatile is what Mike McCarthy emphasized in the pre-draft process.
That’s more Bernard than it is Wilson.
So I don’t think it’s cut and dry until the end of camp, but given his pro-ready skillset, draft value, and the lack of familiarity with the Steelers current staff, I see Bernard as the man coming away with the 3 spot.