The Pittsburgh Steelers traded up in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft to select Germie Bernard, landing the wide receiver they needed after missing out in Round 1.
Wide receiver graded out as the highest area of need on the Steelers 2026 Draft Need Matrix. By all accounts the team was targeting that position in the first round, but the Eagles swooped with a trade to draft Malik Lemon, so Pittsburgh used its first rounder on offensive tackle Max Iheanachor instead.
Germie Bernard makes a catch against Oklahoma Photo Credit: Rolltide.co via SI.com
Omar Khan wasn’t about to let this happen again, as he sent Indianapolis the Steelers’ 2nd round pick along with one of their 4th round s and a 7th round pick to the Colts for their 2nd round pick and 7th pick.
That may seem like a lot to give up to move up six slots, but it allowed them to pick a guy that Steel City Insider’s Roy Countryman describes Bernard as someone who “turns into a running back with the ball in his hands.”
While conceding that while he might lack a little when it comes to measurable, Countryman concludes “….there may not be a better pure football talent at the wideout position than Bernard.”
In a private message, Matt C. Steel who has also written for Steel City Insider, described Bernard this way, “Championship profile in terms of intermediate play action success, RAC, versatility, character. Might like him better than WR’s after Cooper.” Steel rated Bernard as his 22nd most desirable prospect in the draft, and projected him to go between pick 40 and 53.
The Steelers traded up to get him with the 47th pick, so Steel was right on the money with that part of his analysis.
Germie Bernard Highlights (Alabama WR, Steelers Pick)
Germie Bernard made aggressive use of the NCAA’s transfer portal, starting out at Michigan State, as a freshman, moving onto Washington as a sophomore, and playing his junior and senior years with the Crimson Tide at Alabama.
Watch Germie Bernard’s Alabama highlights, showcasing his run-after-catch ability and versatility:
During his four-year collegiate career, he caught 155 passes for 2203 yards and scored 13 touchdowns. He also rushed 36 times for a 184 yards. He also returned 53 kicks during his time with Michigan State and Washington.
How Germie Bernard Impacts the Steelers Offense
Germie Bernard projects as the Steelers’ immediate No. 3 wide receiver, adding versatility and playmaking ability.
D.K. Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. are entrenched as the Steelers’ starting wide receivers, but Bernard’s ability to line up both outside and in the slot should allow him to carve out a meaningful role early in his rookie season.
That flexibility could prove critical. Bernard has the skill set to be deployed in motion, used on manufactured touches, and even aligned in the backfield to create mismatches—something Steelers offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio has already hinted at.
The competition for snaps behind him is far less settled. Roman Wilson will be fighting to secure a roster spot, while Ben Skowronek remains primarily a special teams contributor despite generally doing good things when he gets the ball in his hands.
Bernard must earn his strips, but h has a path to becoming more than just a complementary option, but he has the potential to give the Steelers offense a dimension they’ve lacked for a long time.
Welcome to Steelers Nation Germie Bernard.
