Steelers trade up to draft Alabama WR Germie Bernard after missing out on Makai Lemon in 1st round

After missing out on Makai Lemon during Thursday’s first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers got a pass-catcher in the second round on Friday.

The Steelers drafted Alabama receiver Germie Bernard, trading with the Indianapolis Colts to move up from the No. 53 pick to the No. 47 selection. Pittsburgh also included picks No. 135 (fourth round) and 237 (seventh round) in its deal with the Colts, receiving a lower seventh-rounder (No. 249) in return.

Last season, Bernard led the Crimson Tide with 64 receptions for 862 yards and seven touchdowns. He added 101 rushing yards with two scores on 18 carries. In his four college seasons, which include stints with Michigan State and Washington, the 6-foot-1 receiver compiled 155 catches for 2,203 yards and 13 TDs, averaging 14.2 yards per reception.

The Steelers attempted to select Lemon with the No. 21 pick in the first round and were on the phone with the USC receiver, telling him that the team would draft him. However, while Lemon was talking to Pittsburgh, the Philadelphia Eagles made a trade to move one pick ahead of the Steelers to select him at No. 20.

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While quarterback Aaron Rodgers has not yet re-signed with the Steelers, the presumption is that he will eventually agree to a deal before players have to report for a mandatory minicamp from June 2-4.

Immediately after Bernard was selected, several NFL reporters and observers noted that he’s the type of receiver that Rodgers enjoys having in his offense.

“Aaron Rodgers loves a big slot,” NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero posted on X. “The Steelers just got one in the 6-1 1/4, 206-pound Germie Bernard.”

Bernard joins a Steelers receiving corps that also added Michael Pittman Jr. — three seasons removed from a 109-catch, 1,152-yard campaign — in a trade with the Colts.

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D.K. Metcalf had the most catches among Pittsburgh receivers last season, snaring 59 receptions for 850 yards and six TDs. He was limited to 15 games after serving a two-game suspension for an altercation with a fan in Detroit.