Coming into the draft with 12 selections, it was never a sure thing that every one of those names would make the Steelers’ 53-man roster come the start of the regular season. And the Steelers did end up trimming that number, making 10 total picks while losing the other two via trades.
While it may still be difficult to fit all those names on the same roster, beat writer Brian Batko does see a way it might happen. In an article for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, posted Monday, Batko predicted all 10 to make the Steelers’ final roster.
“Yes, this means all 10 of the Steelers’ draft picks survive the cut. Rubio edges out Esezi Otomewo and Logan Lee, who aren’t quite as massive,” Batko wrote. “Spears-Jennings will need to prove himself on special teams, but has far more size and speed than Sebastian Castro. And Heidenreich can keep his dream sequence going with his own proficiency in the third phase of the game. He’ll need to earn his spot that way if the Steelers keep five running backs, six receivers and a fullback, as they do in this projection. Otherwise, that final job could go to another defensive back.”
Obviously, all of the Steelers’ selections on the first two days of the draft are going to make it. And their first two selections on Day 3 should as well. Kaden Wetjen fills a massive need in the return game. And Riley Nowakowski, something of a Swiss army knife, should find a role as a fullback and tight end in Pittsburgh’s offense.
The latter three selections have some work to do. The Steelers went off the radar for Gabriel Rubio, but he does have great size. Rubio’s greatest difficulties at Notre Dame were remaining healthy and finding a way to make an impact as a pass rusher. He’ll need to keep a clean bill of health, but he was solid against the run in college. With a strong camp, he could find a spot over Logan Lee and Esezi Otomewo. Those two combined for just over 200 defensive snaps last year.
The Steelers don’t have a ton of depth at safety, so Robert Spears-Jennings has a chance as well. He has impressive size for the position, but also a ton of speed. Spears-Jennings is very willing to get involved in the run game, and he has the speed to patrol the deep third as well. His instincts need improving, as there’s a reason he went so late. But perhaps Pittsburgh appreciates his traits more than its other defensive backs.
As the 10th and final pick, Eli Heidenreich has a tough battle as well. With over 3,000 yards from scrimmage during his collegiate career, he can impact an offense in a variety of ways. But in DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr., Germie Bernard, Roman Wilson and Ben Skowronek, that’s five receivers the Steelers will likely keep. Jaylen Warren, Rico Dowdle and Kaleb Johnson represent three running backs as well. Heidenreich is going to need to impress offensively and contribute on special teams to earn a spot.
That said, there are reasonable paths for all of these players to make the Steelers’ 53-man roster. If they all do, it will be quite a nice start for Pittsburgh’s 2026 draft class.
Recommended for you