Following the Pittsburgh Steelers' fifth-round selection of Riley Nowakowski in the 2026 NFL Draft, debate has emerged over limiting the Indiana product to fullback duties. Analyst Steve Palazzolo raised concerns about pigeonholing him, while running backs coach Ramon Chinyoung Sr. stressed versatile usage amid roster needs at tight end.
The Steelers listed Nowakowski, previously covered in draft coverage for his blocking prowess and special teams potential, as a fullback after trading down in the fifth round. This came amid tight end turnover: releasing Jonnu Smith, losing Connor Heyward to free agency, and signing college free agent Lake McRee, who excels more as a receiver than blocker per Steelers Depot reports. JJ Galbreath carries over from practice squad.
Steve Palazzolo of The 33rd Team expressed reservations on 93.7 The Fan: “Blocking tight end, fullback. If he’s truly just gonna be a fullback, I don’t like it.” He envisions Nowakowski thriving as a move or in-line tight end and run blocker.
Running backs coach Ramon Chinyoung Sr. countered, aligning with coach Mike McCarthy's smashmouth style: “I would envision that the role for the fullback is to be versatile, to be able to help the team in multiple ways.” He emphasized value over labels, with plans to utilize Nowakowski frequently to find his best fit on offense and special teams, alongside McRee.
The tight end draft class moved quickly, surprising teams like the Browns, as Pittsburgh waited until the fifth round despite earlier picks.