The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Kaden Wetjen, a return specialist out of Iowa, in the 4th round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
For the first time in this draft class, Omar Khan and Mike McCarthy ignored the Steelers 2026 Draft Need Matrix as special teams positions were not considered, but with Calvin Austin and Kenneth Gainwell playing elsewhere, the Steelers needed to add a reliable kick returner to their roster.
The Steelers turned to Kaden Wetjen to upgrade their return game, prioritizing special teams impact over traditional positional needs.
Steelers 2026 4th round pick Kaden Wetjen
Kaden Wetjen boasted the Big 10’s best punt return average, clocking in at 26.8 yards while returning 3 punts for touchdowns. His kick return average was 29.8 last year which represented an improvement from his from average of 28.0 in 2024 when he led the conference.
Looking at his complete resume, he’s returned 56 kickoffs for an average of 27.5 yards per return and scored 2 touchdowns. Wetjen has also returned a total of 54 punts for an average of 17.7 yards per return and he’s scored 4 touchdowns.
But Wetjen isn’t strictly a one-trick pony. He caught 23 passes and a touchdown in college while also rushing the ball 23 times for 2 touchdowns.
- The Steelers however see him primarily as a kick returner first, wide receiver second.
New Steelers special teams coach Danny Crossman explained to Jim Wexell why the Steelers were attracted to Wetjen:
Number one, he makes great decisions, good ball security. And then he is what I refer to as a catch-run-cut player. A lot of guys are looking to cut, maybe before they need to. He is fearless and he’s not going to make the cuts until he has to, and he can do it late.
Responding by email, Steel City Insider’s Matt C. Steel critiqued the decision, explaining, “I didn’t like the Wetjen pick. That’s too early for me for a return specialist.”
Kaden Wetjen Highlights: Why the Steelers Drafted a Return Specialist in Round 4
Matt C. Steel’s skepticism is understandable as the 4th round does seem to be a little early to draft a return specialist. But when you look at his tape, you can see why the Steelers gave in to the temptation to bend the rules:
Wetjen consistently identifies return lanes and makes defenders miss in space.
Kaden Wetjen’s Role: Immediate Impact on Steelers Special Teams
As a both a 4th round pick and someone filling a role that no one else on the roster is dedicated to, Kaden Wetjen is almost assured a roster spot.
Still, like the other rookies, he’s going to have to prove he belongs, but special teams is the place where rookies can make an immediate impact, and the Steelers drafted Wetjen to give their return game a shot in the arm.
And while my instinct is to agree with Steel that a 4th rounder is too early to draft a kick returner, it is also important to remember that Omar Khan and Andy Weidl have drafted Nick Herbig, Mason McCormick and Jack Sawyer in the 4th round, so their track record at this spot in the draft is pretty strong.
Let’s hope they go 4-4.
Welcome to Steelers Nation Kaden Wetjen.
