Steelers Learn Rookie WR Germie Bernard Is Missing A Key Unteachable Trait

The Pittsburgh Steelers had the NFL world’s attention when the Steel City hosted the 2026 NFL Draft for the first time in league history. However, it did not take long for drama to unfold on the Steelers’ big night. Video quickly went viral as Steelers General Manager Omar Khan was on the phone with former USC standout wide receiver Makai Lemon, informing him that Pittsburgh was planning to select him. Moments later, Lemon reportedly questioned Khan, asking why the Philadelphia Eagles were also calling him. As it turned out, the Eagles had completed a trade with the Dallas Cowboys, moving ahead of Pittsburgh and ultimately selecting Lemon before the Steelers could bring him in. 

The unexpected turn forced Pittsburgh to quickly adjust its plans. In the second round, unwilling to risk missing out on another receiver they valued, the Steelers traded up to the 47th overall pick to select Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard. There is significant excitement around Bernard’s maturity, versatility, and potential fit within the Steelers’ offense. Many believe he could contribute immediately as a rookie, though Pittsburgh fans have heard similar expectations before, most notably in 2024 when the team drafted Roman Wilson.

With Aaron Rodgers returning for the 2026 season in what is expected to be his final year in the NFL, the Steelers are under pressure to maximize their offensive weapons. Alongside DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr., Pittsburgh needed a reliable third receiver capable of lining up across multiple positions and handling a full route tree. That need is a major reason why Bernard was targeted and ultimately selected. However, Steelers insider Jim Wexell has offered a more cautious perspective based on his evaluation of Bernard. 

"Second-round pick Bernard doesn’t have that Hines Ward edge," Wexell said. "He didn’t have the edge. Bernard does little things that make you say, 'Oh, that was a smooth move from a rookie,' but Bernard doesn’t have the edge that Hines had. Hines had that chip on his shoulder every time he walked into the locker room. He’s a really nice guy, but underneath, there is a lurking edge."

Wexell, who has previously interviewed legendary Steelers receiver Hines Ward during his 1998 rookie season, compared Ward’s mentality to what he observed in Bernard during pre-draft evaluations. His key takeaway centers on what he describes as a potentially missing unteachable trait, a true killer instinct.

Wexell emphasized that this does not mean Bernard lacks talent or cannot develop into a strong NFL player. 

Steelers Should Get Good Return On Investment With Germie Bernard

On the contrary, he believes Bernard can still become a very good receiver at the professional level. However, he suggested that the difference between a good career and a truly elite, Hall of Fame-caliber career, often comes down to that competitive edge and mental makeup, something he did not clearly see in Bernard at this stage.

While it remains to be seen how Bernard develops at the next level, the Steelers are betting that his tools, maturity, and versatility will translate quickly into production in a critical season for the franchise. It is also important to note that Ward’s edge was rare, and it is possible Bernard shows his competitiveness in a different way that Wexell has not seen yet. For now, this pick still appears to give the Steelers a strong return on investment, even if Bernard does not carry a Hines Ward-style edge.

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