Pittsburgh Steelers Day 3 selections Kaden Wetjen and Riley Nowakowski from the 2026 NFL Draft have been named among the best late-round picks. Sports Illustrated's Daniel Flick praised their potential immediate impact on special teams and offense amid the team's rebuild.
As part of their 2026 NFL Draft effort to rebuild special teams after key free agency losses and a coaching change, the Steelers selected Kaden Wetjen in the fourth round and Riley Nowakowski in the fifth round. Sports Illustrated's Daniel Flick highlighted them among his seven best Day 3 picks for their high value. Wetjen, a dynamic return specialist who impressed at the East-West Shrine Bowl with his speed and receiving skills, is projected as an elite returner and potential offensive weapon. "He’s sudden, elusive and has tremendous vision to find holes, all of which should help his return prowess translate to Pittsburgh," Flick wrote, noting his game-changing potential on special teams. Nowakowski, transitioning from tight end at Indiana to fullback, offers toughness, physicality, pass-catching versatility, and reliability. The Steelers envision him in heavier packages, replacing departed players like Connor Heyward. Flick called him tough, physical, dependable, versatile with the ball, and a potential long-term NFL contributor, drawing comparisons to Kyle Juszczyk after earning trust from QB Fernando Mendoza in clutch moments. These accolades underscore the Steelers' successful targeting of special teams contributors.
