The Pittsburgh Steelers announced on Apr. 26 their selections from the third day of the NFL Draft, focusing on players with special teams ability and positional flexibility.
These draft choices are important as they aim to strengthen key areas for the team, especially in special teams and depth positions. The Steelers have a history of success with six Super Bowl championships and notable figures honored in their Hall of Honor, according to the official website.
Kaden Wetjen, a wide receiver from Iowa chosen in the fourth round (121st overall), was recognized for his skills as a return specialist. Wetjen is a two-time winner of the Jet Award for top returner and has four career punt returns for touchdowns along with two kickoff return scores. Special teams coordinator Danny Crossman called him a “major addition” and said Wetjen is a “high-level player.” NFL Draft analyst Dane Brugler said, “Wetjen is a dynamic return man and scoring threat on every touch. Time will tell if he can graduate from gadget receiver to a more established role in an offense.”
Riley Nowakowski was picked in the fifth round (169th overall) out of Indiana after starting his college career at Wisconsin. He played fullback but also contributed as a pass catcher. NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah said, “This dude is an excellent blocker,” adding that Nowakowski is reliable catching passes as well. Brugler said, “His determination and grit are catnip for coaches… He projects as a utility H-back who can be both a tight end and fullback.”
Gabe Rubio, selected in the sixth round (210th overall) from Notre Dame, offers size on defense at 6-foot-5⅛ inches tall and weighing 321 pounds. Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham praised Rubio’s ability to defeat blocks and play multiple positions along the defensive line: “He plays football the right way. He has the right demeanor… there’s a savviness about him,” Graham said.
In the seventh round (224th overall), Robert Spears-Jennings from Oklahoma was added for his tackling ability—registering over 50 tackles each of his last two seasons—and speed shown by running a 4.32-second forty-yard dash at this year’s combine. Brugler compared him to Nick Cross: “He brings an enforcing presence with downhill speed… He has the playing temperament to be standout on special teams coverages while he competes for role on defense.” Eli Heidenreich was taken later (230th overall) after setting Navy records in receiving yards; Jeremiah described him as having “reliable hands” while Charles Davis saw him fitting best as “a slot guy/gadget guy.”
The Steelers’ tradition includes honoring figures like Terry Bradshaw through their Hall of Honor displays at Acrisure Stadium according to their official website. The organization contributes to community engagement through historical celebrations as outlined online and features its Hall of Honor Museum displaying artifacts at Acrisure Stadium. Their affiliation with the National Football League continues alongside these new additions as noted by team sources.
Looking ahead, these picks reflect Pittsburgh’s ongoing effort to blend tradition with roster development—a process that helped them earn recognition through multiple Super Bowl wins according to official records. As training camp approaches, observers will watch how these rookies contribute both on special teams units and across offensive or defensive packages.
