Stock Up, Stock Down for Steelers Draft Picks after Mandatory Minicamp
The Pittsburgh Steelers wrapped up mandatory minicamp following rookie minicamp, giving the coaching staff an extended look at the team's draft picks and undrafted free agents. While Steelers training camp remains the true proving ground, a few early trends have already emerged regarding whose stock is rising and whose is falling. At this stage of the offseason, most players appear to be trending upward. After all, evaluations are taking place in shorts and helmets rather than full pads. The real competition begins when the Steelers report to Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pa., and training camp practices heat up under the summer sun.
Still, a handful of Pittsburgh's 2026 NFL Draft selections have already generated positive, or concerning, early buzz. Some of those concerns aren't necessarily by their own performance, but rather circumstances surrounding their path to the 53-man roster. Here are Steelers draft picks with rising and falling stock:
Steelers Rookies with Stock Up
Germie Bernard
If one rookie has consistently earned praise throughout offseason workouts, it's Germie Bernard. Coaches and teammates have highlighted his approach in the classroom, his practice habits, and his early on-field performance.
Bernard will have a legitimate opportunity to climb into the WR3 role this season. He'll have to compete with Roman Wilson for snaps, but the Steelers could see an early return on their investment after trading up to select Bernard in the second round.
Drew Allar
The best thing working in Drew Allar's favor right now is the lack of pressure surrounding him. The rookie isn't expected to compete for a starting role, or even the QB2 job, immediately. With Aaron Rodgers receiving veteran rest days, Will Howard has handled most of the first-team reps.
Meanwhile, Allar has spent significant time working alongside head coach Mike McCarthy. He remains a developmental prospect, but he's in an ideal environment to grow without immediate expectations. If McCarthy can eventually develop Allar into a starting-caliber quarterback, it could become a franchise-altering move.
Daylen Everette
Multiple reports have identified Daylen Everetteas one of the biggest winners of OTAs and minicamp. His versatility to play both inside and outside cornerback could help separate him from other young defensive backs on the roster.
Everette brings speed, physicality, and aggression, traits the Steelers value highly in their secondary. While he may not contribute heavily on defense right away, he has the tools to become another long-term steal for general manager Omar Khan.
Steelers Rookies with Stock Down
Riley Nowakowski
The Steelers added veteran Robert Tonyan in free agency, creating additional competition in the tight end room. Tonyan also offers extensive veteran experience, and a connection with Rodgers, making the path to a roster spot more challenging for fifth-round pick Riley Nowakowski.
Nowakowski will likely need to carve out a role as a fullback and special teams contributor to secure a place on the 53-man roster. Heading into training camp, the odds appear stacked against him.
Gabriel Rubio
It has been a relatively quiet offseason for sixth-round pick Gabriel Rubio. He enters training camp likely behind several established defensive linemen, including Logan Lee, Dean Lowry, and free-agent addition Sebastian Joseph-Day.
Rubio may need a standout training camp and preseason just to put himself in the conversation for a roster spot or practice squad role. The selection drew mixed reactions when the Steelers made it, and it will be interesting to see whether his strong run-defense skills can eventually translate into a meaningful role along Pittsburgh's defensive front.
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This story was originally published June 18, 2026 at 5:30 PM.