After trading up to select Alabama WR Germie Bernard at No. 47 overall in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft—following a first-round miss on Makai Lemon—analysts including former NFL receiver Steve Smith Sr., NFL insider James Palmer, and ex-Steelers Trai Essex and Max Starks have lauded the pick. They highlighted Bernard's toughness, fit with Aaron Rodgers, and versatility alongside DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr.
The Steelers grabbed Bernard right after the Eagles snagged Lemon nearby in the draft order. Steve Smith Sr. praised the selection on his YouTube channel: “I really like this pick. It helps them; it’s a chain mover. So, I like this pick, and he’s in a division where toughness is gonna be required, and this kid is tough.” Bernard excels as a run-blocker and in contested catches, matching Pittsburgh's push for physical receivers. James Palmer emphasized his smarts and physicality: “There’s been a lot of receivers that have played with Aaron that he’s loved. That are always in the right place at the right time, are physical with or without the ball, have a good understanding of space they need to be.” Both compared him to Rodgers' ex-Packers teammates Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson for route-running and yards-after-catch in a quick-pass attack. On the Snap Count podcast, Trai Essex likened Bernard to a young Deebo Samuel for agility and contact balance: “I think we’re gonna end up being happy we made that mistake.” Max Starks called it “an absolute steal” at 47, an upgrade over Roman Wilson. With Metcalf and Pittman Jr. aboard, Bernard brings slot, wide, and backfield versatility.
