Labriola Analyzes Day 2 Picks of 2026 NFL Draft

The 2026 NFL Draft’s Day 2 was crucial for the Pittsburgh Steelers, reminiscent of “moving day” in golf tournaments. This phase allowed teams to enhance their rosters after the initial round’s excitement and pressure. The Steelers, under General Manager Omar Khan, aimed to secure valuable players to follow their first-round choice of offensive tackle Max Iheanachor.

Key Selections on Day 2

The Steelers had four picks during Day 2: one in the second round and three in the third round. They successfully added a wide receiver, a developmental quarterback, a cornerback, and an offensive lineman. These selections were vital for reinforcing their roster.

• Wide Receiver: Germie Bernard (Alabama) – Known for his ability to force missed tackles.
• Quarterback: Drew Allar (Penn State) – Recognized for his strong arm and athleticism.
• Cornerback: Daylen Everette (Georgia) – Praised for his size and physical presence.
• Offensive Lineman: Gennings Dunker (Iowa) – An aggressive player expected to fill a gap at guard.

Strategic Trades and Decisions

During the draft, the Steelers executed a strategic trade with the Indianapolis Colts. They moved up from the 53rd overall pick, trading several selections to secure Bernard at 47th overall. This move highlighted their aggressive approach to addressing a pressing need at the receiver position.

Despite some fan disappointment in missing out on WR Makai Lemon, the acquisition of Bernard was significant. He had led Alabama in receiving for two consecutive seasons and demonstrated impressive stats with minimal drops.

Quarterback Development

Adding a quarterback was a priority for the Steelers, as they needed to bring four to training camp. They selected Allar with their 76th overall pick. His college experience and physical attributes positioned him as an asset for the Steelers’ quarterback depth chart.

Other Notable Picks

Everette and Dunker were picked in the third round, both filling critical needs. Everette’s physical attributes made him an obvious fit for the Steelers’ defensive strategy, while Dunker’s versatility and performance at the Senior Bowl showcased his potential on the offensive line.

The Steelers will enter Day 3 with six picks remaining. Their strategic selections thus far have set the stage for potential success, making the judgment of their 2026 Draft Class depend largely on the outcomes from Day 2.