Pittsburgh Steelers trade up to draft Alabama WR Germie Bernard

Pittsburgh Steelers traded up six spots in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft to select Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard with the 47th overall pick.

The move came after the Philadelphia Eagles selected the Steelers’ original target, Makai Lemon, with the 23rd pick in the first round. General manager Omar Khan orchestrated the trade with the Indianapolis Colts, sending picks 53, 135 and 237 in exchange for the 47th and 249th selections.

Bernard, a 6-foot-1, 206-pound receiver, was the eighth wide receiver taken in the draft. He transferred to Alabama after two seasons at Washington and one at Michigan State, becoming the Crimson Tide’s leading receiver in both 2024 and 2025 with 114 catches for 1,656 yards and nine touchdowns.

His production improved each of his last three college seasons. In 2025, he recorded 64 receptions for 862 yards and seven touchdowns, while adding 18 carries for 101 yards and two scores. He likewise returned kicks for a 20.7-yard average and has five career rushing touchdowns.

Scouts highlighted his versatility, and toughness. Bernard lined up inside and outside, in the backfield, on jet sweeps and in wildcat formations. NFL Draft analyst Dane Brugler called him “one of the most competitive blocking receivers in the draft class,” noting he “will block his tail off.” An anonymous NFL scout told Brugler Bernard “owned that receiver room at Alabama” and carried himself with a professional attitude.

Despite not being the biggest or fastest prospect — he ran a 4.48-second 40-yard dash — Bernard’s value lies in his reliability. He had only three drops in two seasons at Alabama and forced 17 missed tackles in 2025. His game is built on consistency, route precision and willingness to contribute in blocking and special teams.

For more on this story, see Philadelphia Eagles draft USC WR Makai Lemon at No. 20 after Cowboys trade.

Scott Dochterman of The Athletic graded the selection a B-plus, calling Bernard a “quality next choice” after the Lemon pursuit fell through. He noted the receiver offers a stylistic contrast to Pittsburgh’s other pass-catchers and brings durability to a young receiving corps.

The Steelers also addressed offensive line depth on Day 2. In the third round, they selected Iowa offensive lineman Gennings Dunker with the 90th pick. Dunker, a 6-foot-5, 319-pounder, started 37 games at right tackle for the Hawkeyes over the last three seasons.

Offensive line coach James Campen said Dunker will primarily play guard for Pittsburgh, with tackle as a backup option. Dunker noted the transition feels natural as “at Iowa, our tackles play like guards,” meaning the fundamentals translate even if the pace of contact increases inside.

Campen praised Iowa’s program, citing its recent Joe Moore Award for the nation’s best offensive line and its reputation for producing NFL-ready linemen with sound technique. He added that Dunker brings leadership and versatility, having played guard at the Senior Bowl and shown comfort in multiple roles.

With Dunker added to the mix, Campen now oversees a three-way competition for the starting left guard spot between Spencer Anderson, free agent Blake Hoffman and Dunker. Mason McCormick returns as the starter at right guard, though Campen noted the irony that McCormick was once used as a comparison for Dunker by NFL.com.

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Campen welcomed the competition, saying the team now has enough depth in the offensive line room to make the battle meaningful. “You can never have enough big guys in the room,” he said, adding that the current group’s makeup makes the rivalry feel earned.

Key Context The Steelers traded up despite giving up three draft picks, showing their urgency to address receiver depth after losing their top target to Philadelphia in Round 1.

Why did the Steelers trade up for Germie Bernard instead of waiting for him later in the draft?

They acted after the Eagles took their primary target, Makai Lemon, in the first round, and viewed Bernard as a reliable, pro-ready option who fit their demand for a tough, versatile receiver.

What role does Gennings Dunker project to play for the Steelers?

Offensive line coach James Campen said Dunker will primarily play guard, with tackle as a secondary position, based on his experience and the team’s current needs.