The Steelers made sure they had a No. 2 WR this year, but who will be WR No. 3—Roman Wilson or rookie Germie Bernard? Through the spring, Wilson, the third-year veteran, has spent a lot of time with the first-team offense. Bernard, a second-round pick, still has plenty of time to catch up before the season begins. And by all reports, he has done nothing to indicate he might fall behind.
“I get the impression that Roman Wilson is a lot more of a candidate than I would’ve thought for that job”, Chris Adamski said of the WR No. 3 job on the Steelers Standard on Steelers Nation Radio. “Now, maybe it’s in deference to the veteran who has been here already, and you don’t want to put the rookie in already”. After saying that, however, he concluded, “I think Bernard will be the WR3, is my short answer, when the season starts”.
The Steelers drafted Roman Wilson in the third round in 2024. His rookie year was marred by injury, resulting in him playing just five snaps all season. While he participated last season, he eventually found himself on the bench. The new coaching staff has supported him, but that didn’t stop them from drafting Germie Bernard.
While not a flashy player, Bernard is largely described as a professional. He doesn’t have blazing speed, but he has decent size and knows his craft well. On paper, he should be able to contribute early in his career. Still, being the opening-day WR No. 3 may be too much to ask.
Not that plenty of other rookie receivers haven’t reached that same level just as early. Including former Steelers wide receivers. There have been plenty of strong rookie seasons, and Germie Bernard is about as high a draft pick as any they’ve made in two decades at the position.
And it’s not like he has a gauntlet ahead of him on the depth chart. Among them is fellow rookie Kaden Wetjen, who barely plays on offense. Ben Skowronek is a Pro Bowler—but on special teams. DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. are the starters, but the only person standing in Bernard’s way is Roman Wilson. For now.
“I’ve also been on record a lot saying that, one way or another, before September 13th, another veteran receiver’s gonna be here”, Adamski added. “Trade, cut, cutdown day. I feel like, one way or another, they’ll add another guy, I feel like. That’s my prediction, at least”.
Germie Bernard had his most productive college season last year at Alabama. Over 14 games, he caught 64 passes for 862 yards and 7 touchdowns. He also scored twice on the ground, adding 101 yards. The Steelers could be creative in how they deploy him, thanks to his open-field ability. But Roman Wilson still has a say in how the opening-day offense looks between now and September.
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