Games are not usually won during the NFL Draft, but you can lose some if you are continually whiffing on selections. In this case, day three of the NFL Draft concluded on an all-time note (attendance record set), and the Pittsburgh Steelers walked away with an intriguing group of prospects, operating a bit differently from previous drafts, putting more emphasis on traits and going a bit off the consensus big boards. Going into the last day, Pittsburgh ended up taking five players in total: Iowa’s Kaden Wetjen, Indiana’s Riley Nowakowski, Notre Dame’s Gabriel Rubio, Oklahoma’s Robert Spears-Jennings, and Navy’s Eli Heidenreich. Surprisingly, they did not take a linebacker or punter with the 10 picks they used, but under a microscope, each pick made on the third day paints a bigger picture.
Round 4: Kaden Wetjen analysis
Wetjen was considered by many to be a massive reach in the fourth round. Still, his dynamic dual return ability will immediately elevate the Steelers‘ special teams unit in 2025, which was dead last in return yards. He was, arguably, the best return man in college football at Iowa, as flipping field position became an instant strength of his in short order. Wetjen runs a blistering 4.47 speed, where he led the nation in combined return yards (1,039), punt return average (26.8), and tied for return touchdowns (4). Needless to say, he is dominant at special teams (two-time Jet Award winner), backed by strong elusiveness (evading the first open-space tackling attempt), vision that navigates itself well through traffic, is sudden with short-area quickness that is twitchy, instantly creating separation off cuts, and has lower-body strength to withstand contact initially. It’s also worth mentioning that he’s a much better route runner and receiver than people would give credit for (as seen in his East-West Shrine Bowl reps).
1 / 20
Photos of Steelers’ newest return specialist from 2026 NFL Draft
Iowa defensive back Zach Lutmer (6) reacts after it was announed Kaden Wetjen was selected in the NFL draft April 25, 2026 during the team’s spring practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
1 / 20
Photos of Steelers’ newest return specialist from 2026 NFL Draft
Iowa defensive back Zach Lutmer (6) reacts after it was announed Kaden Wetjen was selected in the NFL draft April 25, 2026 during the team’s spring practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
2 / 20
Photos of Steelers’ newest return specialist from 2026 NFL Draft
Iowa wide receiver Kaden Wetjen (21) runs a drill during a spring NCAA football practice, Thursday, March 30, 2023, at the University of Iowa Indoor Practice Facility in Iowa City, Iowa.
230330 Iowa Spring Fb 021 Jpg
3 / 20
Photos of Steelers’ newest return specialist from 2026 NFL Draft
Iowa wide receiver Kaden Wetjen (21) runs a drill during the Hawkeyes’ final spring NCAA football practice, Saturday, April 22, 2023, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
230422 Iowa Spring Fb 055 Jpg
4 / 20
Photos of Steelers’ newest return specialist from 2026 NFL Draft
Iowa’s Kaden Wetjen (21) runs with the ball against Troy Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
5 / 20
Photos of Steelers’ newest return specialist from 2026 NFL Draft
Iowa’s Kaden Wetjen, runs the ball during a drill at the team’s practice at Ensworth School in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Dec. 27, 2024.
6 / 20
Photos of Steelers’ newest return specialist from 2026 NFL Draft
Dec 30, 2024; Nashville, TN, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Kaden Wetjen (21) returns a kickoff for a touchdown against the Missouri Tigers during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
7 / 20
Photos of Steelers’ newest return specialist from 2026 NFL Draft
Dec 30, 2024; Nashville, TN, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Kaden Wetjen (21) returns a kickoff for a touchdown against the Missouri Tigers during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
8 / 20
Photos of Steelers’ newest return specialist from 2026 NFL Draft
Oct 11, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Kaden Wetjen (21) receives the opening kickoff against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ross Harried-Imagn Images
9 / 20
Photos of Steelers’ newest return specialist from 2026 NFL Draft
Oct 11, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Kaden Wetjen (21) takes the opening kickoff during the first half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ross Harried-Imagn Images
10 / 20
Photos of Steelers’ newest return specialist from 2026 NFL Draft
Oct 25, 2025; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Kaden Wetjen (21) gets yards after the catch as Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Kerry Brown (14) attempts the tackle during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
11 / 20
Photos of Steelers’ newest return specialist from 2026 NFL Draft
Oct 25, 2025; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Kaden Wetjen (21) gets yards after the catch as Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Kerry Brown (14) attempts the tackle during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
12 / 20
Photos of Steelers’ newest return specialist from 2026 NFL Draft
Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Kaden Wetjen (21) runs with the ball as Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Jacob Gill (5) blocks Oregon Ducks defensive back Jadon Canady (22) Nov. 8, 2025 during a Big Ten Football game at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
13 / 20
Photos of Steelers’ newest return specialist from 2026 NFL Draft
Nov 15, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Kaden Wetjen (21) runs the ball against Southern California Trojans safety Bishop Fitzgerald (19) during the first half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
14 / 20
Photos of Steelers’ newest return specialist from 2026 NFL Draft
Nov 22, 2025; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Kaden Wetjen (21) scores a touchdown on a punt return against the Michigan State Spartans during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
15 / 20
Photos of Steelers’ newest return specialist from 2026 NFL Draft
Nov 22, 2025; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Kaden Wetjen (21) returns a punt as Michigan State Spartans tight end Kai Rios (88) attempts to make the tackle during the fourth quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
16 / 20
Photos of Steelers’ newest return specialist from 2026 NFL Draft
Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Kaden Wetjen (21) returns a punt to the endzone against the Michigan State Spartans Nov. 22, 2025 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
17 / 20
Photos of Steelers’ newest return specialist from 2026 NFL Draft
Nov 28, 2025; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Kaden Wetjen (21) warms up before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
18 / 20
Photos of Steelers’ newest return specialist from 2026 NFL Draft
Nov 28, 2025; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Kaden Wetjen (21) runs against Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive back Deshon Singleton (8) during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
19 / 20
Photos of Steelers’ newest return specialist from 2026 NFL Draft
Dec 31, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Kaden Wetjen (21) escapes a tackle from Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker Bryan Longwell (11) in the third quarter during the ReliaQuest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
20 / 20
Photos of Steelers’ newest return specialist from 2026 NFL Draft
Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Iowa wideout Kaden Wetjen (WO44) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Round 5: Riley Nowakowski analysis
Nowakowski might be a more polished and sturdy version of Connor Heyward. He is someone who can do it all, playing halfback, tight end, and fullback. His hands are the best at his position (0 drops over 36 targets last season), and his blocking is elite (on the perimeter, in space, and in pass protection), with impressive yards after catch (7.7), excellent vision and contact balance, and his positional flexibility and versatility make him a valuable asset as a lead blocker or in-line/move tight end. He’ll be the third tight end behind Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington, on top of playing fullback at times on offense. Nowakowski played a pivotal role in the Hoosiers’ national championship-winning season, cementing his draft status with a breakout campaign after changing positions from linebacker after transferring from Wisconsin.
Advertisement
Round 6: Gabriel Rubio analysis
If you want to talk about someone way off everyone’s draft boards, Rubio fits that criteria. Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham and head coach Mike McCarthy were both looking for specific traits in a defensive tackle, as Rubio has massive size (6’5, 321 lbs), good length (33 5/8″), and is best known for his run-stuffing and defending. He doesn’t offer much as a pass rusher, but what he can do is play inside in many different techniques, from zero all the way to four. He brings heavy hands, allowing him to hold his own gap and push blockers aside. He is difficult to move in a single block, can block field goals and bat down passes, excelling at closing run lanes and stacking numerous blockers. Injuries derailed a lot of his collegiate career, but if he can stay healthy, it’s understandable why Pittsburgh made this pick. It remains to be seen if their boldness proves right (the biggest wild card by far in this class).
Round 7: Robert Spears-Jennings analysis
The theme of special-teams investment continues, as Spears-Jennings brings an extremely athletic profile (4.32 40) to a struggling unit in need of new blood. Speaking of which, he is a weapon there (a prototype gunner contributing as a core special-teamer right away), rarely misses tackles, and plays a physical style of football aligned with the Steelers’ identity. His range and ball-tracking instincts are exceptional, and he can play in zones that are high-safety. A thumper in the run game, showing no fear at the line of scrimmage, he is versatile at the safety position (can play box, free safety, and slot). Spears-Jennings will provide depth at the safety position while also hopefully filling the shoes of long-time special teams ace Miles Killebrew. An all-around good piece to have, as the Steelers snagged him late despite being projected to go earlier.
1 / 13
Photos of Steelers’ newest safety from 2026 NFL Draft
Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) brings down Houston Cougars wide receiver Mekhi Mews (83) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Houston Cougars at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024.
1 / 13
Photos of Steelers’ newest safety from 2026 NFL Draft
Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) brings down Houston Cougars wide receiver Mekhi Mews (83) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Houston Cougars at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024.
2 / 13
Photos of Steelers’ newest safety from 2026 NFL Draft
Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the CFP National Playoff First Round at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
3 / 13
Photos of Steelers’ newest safety from 2026 NFL Draft
Sep 28, 2024; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) scans the Auburn Tiger offense during the third quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
4 / 13
Photos of Steelers’ newest safety from 2026 NFL Draft
Oklahoma defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) catches an interception during a NCAA football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Oklahoma Sooners at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on November 1, 2025.
5 / 13
Photos of Steelers’ newest safety from 2026 NFL Draft
Nov 15, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) reacts as Alabama Crimson Tide kicker Conor Talty (31) misses a field goal at the end of the first half at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images
6 / 13
Photos of Steelers’ newest safety from 2026 NFL Draft
Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) can’t hold on for an interception beside Missouri Tigers tight end Brett Norfleet (87) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Missouri Tigers at Gaylord Family à Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. Oklahoma won 17-6.
7 / 13
Photos of Steelers’ newest safety from 2026 NFL Draft
Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) celebrates during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Missouri Tigers at Gaylord Family à Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. Oklahoma won 17-6.
8 / 13
Photos of Steelers’ newest safety from 2026 NFL Draft
Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the CFP National Playoff First Round at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
9 / 13
Photos of Steelers’ newest safety from 2026 NFL Draft
Safety Robert Spears-Jenings (3) runs through drills during the University of Oklahoma’s first Spring football practice at the Everest Training Center in Norman, Okla. on Tuesday, March 22, 2022.
Ou Spring Fb Practice
10 / 13
Photos of Steelers’ newest safety from 2026 NFL Draft
Oklahoma Sooners defense back Robert Spears-Jennings forces Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Nico Iamaleava (8) to fumble during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Tennessee Volunteers at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024.
11 / 13
Photos of Steelers’ newest safety from 2026 NFL Draft
Sep 13, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) looks on after the game against the Temple Owls at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
12 / 13
Photos of Steelers’ newest safety from 2026 NFL Draft
Sep 20, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Jackson Arnold (11) runs for yardage as Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) defends during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
13 / 13
Photos of Steelers’ newest safety from 2026 NFL Draft
Oct 18, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) stops South Carolina Gamecocks wide receiver Nyck Harbor (8) in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Round 7: Eli Heidenreich analysis
Last but most definitely not least, Heidenreich is not just a feel-good hometown story. He’s a Swiss Army Knife, a hybrid prospect who can play a handful of positions, all while showing off his versatility (jet sweeps, running a normal route tree from the slot). An immensely accomplished and productive player while at the Naval Academy, Heidenreich amassed 1,994 scrimmage yards. He’s also built tough, determined as a runner playing from behind with his pads, and has great hands (zero drops over 53 catches). Just like Spears-Jennings, he can play on special teams in all phases (each of the four). It’ll be fascinating to see how McCarthy utilizes his skill set, considering he could be battling Kaleb Johnson as the third running back on the totem pole. But no doubt, the playbook will be opened for him as a uniquely position-less player.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers come away with good depth on both sides, take a flyer as well