Germie Bernard to Steelers, Fans React to New WR in 2026 NFL Draft After Missing Out on Makai Lemon

The Pittsburgh Steelers traded up to select Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard with the No. 47 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Steelers received the No. 47 selection as well as the No. 249 choice from the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for the No. 53, No. 135 and No. 237 picks.

Pittsburgh previously missed out on USC receiver Makai Lemon in the first round of the draft on Thursday, as the Philadelphia Eagles traded up to select him while he was on the phone with the Steelers.

Fans and pundits reacted to the team picking Bernard in the second round.

Bernard spent the first two years of his college career with Michigan State and Washington before suiting up for the Crimson Tide from 2024-25.

During his first season at Alabama, he finished with 794 receiving yards and two touchdowns while averaging 15.9 yards per reception.

Bernard remained productive in 2025, reeling in 64 catches for 862 yards and seven touchdowns in 14 games. He also factored into the Crimson Tide's rushing attack, picking up 101 yards and two scores on 18 carries.

On the final big board from Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department, Bernard was ranked as the No. 12 wide receiver in the draft class.

B/R NFL Scout Dame Parson brought up the receiver's success when working across the middle of the field in his scouting report.

"Germie Bernard is a physical and intelligent wide receiver who gives defenses fits working in the middle of the field," Parson wrote. "He projects as a complementary weapon alongside an established number one receiver in the NFL."

While Aaron Rodgers' future is still reportedly uncertain, he may choose to return to the Steelers and reunite with head coach Mike McCarthy.

Bernard could potentially become one of Rodgers' top targets behind D.K. Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. as a rookie.