The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing to head into training camp with 10 rookie draft picks on the roster, more than they’ve had in a while. But despite being taken in the fourth round, return man Kaden Wetjen might be among the safest in terms of securing a roster spot. To former Steeler Trai Essex, he could produce in a big way in 2026.

“I’m going with Kaden Wetjen,” Essex said Tuesday on his Snap Count podcast, selecting rookies he expects to make the biggest impact. “With the fact that he was probably the best returner in College Football since Tim Dwight, back during my years at Northwestern, when he was at Iowa. And that he’s coming in specifically to do that.”

The return game certainly needed a jolt in Pittsburgh. The Steelers weren’t necessarily bad on special teams, but aside from a Calvin Austin III punt return back in 2024, they have lacked any real excitement in that phase of the game.

That’s an area where Wetjen thrived at Iowa, though. It’s why he was selected at the beginning of Day 3 despite being a return specialist. He returned six total kicks for touchdowns in three years. His 2024 season also saw him lead the Big Ten in both punt and kick return yards.

There are a few rookies who could see larger roles relatively early. Max Iheanachor, Germie Bernard, and Daylen Everette might all be on that list. But there may be an avenue for Kaden Wetjen himself to earn a bigger role in a different aspect of the game, too.

“Maybe he can contribute on the offensive side of the ball as well, at wide receiver,” Essex said. “I think he’s gonna come in right away and be huge in the special teams part, punt returns and kickoff returns. And I think maybe he can contribute as a gadget guy.”

Wetjen is capable of running solid routes and delivered a very impressive performance during Shrine Bowl week. But he was never able to carve out a consistent spot for himself in Iowa’s offense. In Pittsburgh, there’s not immediately a ton of room for that to happen.

At receiver, the Steelers already have DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr., Bernard and Roman Wilson. Obviously, all four will get looks in the passing game over Wetjen. Ben Skowronek will keep his spot thanks to his abilities on special teams. Then, Wetjen will still need to fight over names like Eli Heidenreich and Max Hurleman, each of whom has a similar skill set.

However, the Steelers should be more creative on offense this year. And Kaden Wetjen has proven he’s a problem with the ball in his hands. His ability as a return man should clear the way for a roster spot. But Essex thinks his role can grow further from there.