Winner: WR Germie Bernard
Among Pittsburgh’s 2026 rookie class, no one has stood out more than third-year wide receiver Germie Bernard.
Whether it was in minicamp, joint practices or preseason game, the story was the same. Glowing reports. Bernard getting open and making plays. The youngster caught the eyes of many—including franchise legend Ben Roethlisberger.
“Let’s talk about Germie Bernard,” he said. That’s special. That’s what I think you’re gonna see from him this year, and I think that should excite a lot of people, because of what he has and that potential for the shifty, break a tackle, fast enough, quick enough, get in the end zone. There’s gonna be a lot of excitement there.”
The former Alabama standout should open his rookie year as the Steelers’ third receiver behind DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr.
Loser: OT Broderick Jones
The Steelers have dealt with issues along the offensive line for years—issues that Broderick Jones was supposed to help address when the team drafted him in the first round back in 2023.
Instead, as reported by NFL.com, Jones struggled through three seasons of injuries and poor play. Jones has allowed 22 sacks in his career, which is fourth among tackles since 2023, per Pro Football Focus. In 2025, Jones garnered a 57.7 overall PFF grade, which was 70th among 89 qualified offensive tackles.
The Steelers had already passed on Jones’ fifth-year option, and earlier this week he was dealt to the Dallas Cowboys.