Steelers rookie WR Germie Bernard only knows one way to play when he has the ball in his hands: find the end zone. A second-round pick, it’s reasonable to expect him to have a sizeable role this season.
For his part, Bernard knows what his job is once he catches the ball, and the Steelers will lean on that. They saw his run-after-catch ability as a strength in the pre-draft process, and he knows it.
“I believe so. Just kind of playing like a running back when you get the ball,” Germie Bernard said via the Steelers’ website, when asked if his ability to create after the catch is one of his key attributes. “I just want to do the best for my team and put my team in the best position. When I have the ball in my hands, I’m thinking ‘score’ every time.”
The Steelers relied heavily on run-after-catch ability last year, the key being relied. With a less mobile Aaron Rodgers at quarterback and a still-growing offensive line, they felt compelled to lean on quick-release passes. That put the burden on the pass-catchers to make something happen. While they hope to rely on that less in 2026, Germie Bernard fits right into that formula. And it’s no surprise if you know his history.
“I played running back really all the way up until my freshman year of high school,” Bernard said. “Then I kind of moved all over, but they still implemented me in the offense as a running back in certain packages. It’s always been in my repertoire.”
Even in college, Germie Bernard never fully escaped the role of ball carrier. He recorded 36 career rushes in college, half of which came in 2025 during his lone season at Georgia. On 18 rushes, he produced 101 rushes and 2 touchdowns.
While Bernard has drawn comparisons to Deebo Samuel, the latter remains somewhat in a class of his own. I doubt the Steelers envision utilizing him that way, but they’ll gladly lean on his skills with the football after the catch. He may take a handoff or a pitch here and there, but he’s certainly a wide receiver.
First, though, he needs to earn himself a role. Despite his draft pedigree, the Steelers do have some depth at wide receiver. Returning from last season is DK Metcalf, now paired with trade acquisition Michael Pittman Jr. Germie Bernard will compete for playing time as the No. 3 WR, primarily with Roman Wilson. The latter is bordering on an afterthought for many at this point, but not to the Steelers’ coaching staff.
A year ago, the Steelers had just one player—not just one wide receiver—produce 500-plus receiving yards. That was Metcalf, who finished the year with 850 yards. RB Kenneth Gainwell and TE Pat Freiermuth tied for second with 486 yards. Calvin Austin III placed second among receivers with just 372. Can the trio of Metcalf, Pittman, and Bernard all eclipse the 500-yard mark this season?