Steelers Rookie Germie Bernard Has Already Been Mentored By Important Player On Pittsburgh's Roster

The Pittsburgh Steelers just wrapped up the 2026 NFL Draft, which was held right on the North Shore. The front office made it apparent that it was looking to add another pass catcher through the draft. In the second round, the Black and Gold selected University of Alabama receiver Germie Bernard. He is considered a great leader who continued to develop as a player throughout his collegiate career. He started his career at Michigan State University before transferring to the University of Washington, then landed in Alabama, where he spent his final two seasons. 

Pittsburgh got the versatile receiver that it was looking for in Bernard. His size allows him to be effective in the slot and as an outside threat. The Steelers were clear that they wanted to add a weapon who could be lined up in various spots. The organization decided to pass on a wideout in round one, where it elected to take an offensive tackle. Bernard was a player who fit the mold for what the Steelers were looking for. 

Bernard's college career brought him to three distinct programs, including the aforementioned University of Washington. This was his second year in college, and he was primarily used for his kick return specialty during his time at Michigan State. While playing at Washington, Bernard played alongside current Steelers starting right tackle Troy Fautanu. The second-round pick talked to the Steelers Audio Network team, where he discussed how Fautanu served as a role model for him. 

"Troy is someone who is a great leader, someone that I really took advice from when I was at Washington," Bernard said. "Just learning from him, how he did things off the field, how he did things on the field, just like the small things. The extra work, the little things that he was doing to take care of his body. "I just made sure I paid attention, and I asked questions. I'm excited to play with him again."

Fautanu was the Steelers' first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, where he was selected with the 20th overall pick. He is turning into an anchor for the team's offensive line, despite missing every game except one of his rookie campaign due to injury. 

In 2025, Fautanu started all 17 games and held up well. His leadership and ability to handle himself as a player were some of the reasons that helped him become a first-round selection. Now, the two teammates from Washington will be reunited on the Steelers' offense. 

Pittsburgh has added some quality offensive pieces, including Bernard and Fautanu, over the course of the past few drafts. The two elite weapons will come full circle and play on the same offense. This time on Mike McCarthy's instead of Kalen DeBoer's. 

Steelers Have Find A Gem In Bernard

The front office's quick pivot to Bernard after the first round's wide receiver controversy was a positive. The former Crimson Tide pass-catcher will be a plug-and-play candidate in the slot potentially. 

Not only based on the Steelers' lack of receiver depth behind their two stars, but also because of the skills that Bernard has to offer. In his two seasons in Tuscaloosa, he led the team in receptions. He's considered a great route-runner and even lined up in the backfield in certain formations. 

Pittsburgh may have found its next receiver of the future in Bernard. He continues to get better year after year. After only starting seven games with the Huskies, he started all 13 games in 2024 with Alabama and 14 in 2025. 

He became much more dynamic as a receiver and was not just a special teams player. If his development is any sign for the Black and Gold, it means he'll only get better. That's something that the organization hopes continues as he makes his way into the NFL, and he's already considered a pretty perfect fit. 

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