When the Pittsburgh Steelers selected WR Kaden Wetjen in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, there was a lot of consternation among the fanbase that the Steelers had overdrafted a player who would only contribute on special teams. Besides the fact that the new kickoff rules have made the return game more important and Wetjen was the best returner in college football the past two years, I don’t believe it’s fair to put him in that box.

Yes, the majority of Wetjen’s value will come from his work on special teams. But it’s not fair to assume he can’t contribute as a receiver based solely on his pure box score stats at Iowa. They certainly don’t jump off the page, with his 20 receptions last season being the most he had in a season. Even Sports Reference lists his return stats above his receiving stats. But watching Wetjen at Iowa and the East-West Shrine Bowl, it’s clear he has some potential to contribute as a receiver.

From the first practice at the Shrine Bowl, Wetjen caught my eye with his burst and route-running. Throughout the week, Wetjen was the most consistent receiver, and his ability as a route-runner and as a target underneath was really impressive.

Another day of defenders just having no shot to guard @HawkeyeFootball WR Kaden Wetjen.

This guy is so explosive and sudden. He is destroying defenders time and time again. Has to be a helpless feeling for DBs here in Frisco. pic.twitter.com/GsKUO0q0rD

— Josh Carney (@ByJoshCarney) January 25, 2026

That week was Wetjen’s chance to prove he was more than just a returner. And the ability he showed as a receiver was a reason why the Steelers drafted him in the fourth round.

As a rookie, his impact on offense might not be huge. But with Aaron Rodgers looking to get the ball out quickly, it wouldn’t surprise me at all to see Wetjen used as an option on screens, drag routes, anything underneath where Rodgers can get him the ball and let him work after the catch.

I also think Wetjen’s role as a receiver will grow throughout his career. I really think there’s an opportunity for him to show flashes as a receiver as a rookie and become a player the Steelers can utilize, even if it’s in a bit of a gadget role. The stats don’t tell the whole story when it comes to Wetjen’s ability and upside as a receiver, and I think Steelers fans are going to be pleasantly surprised with what he brings to the table.