Steelers rookie projected to beat out third-year receiver for WR3 role

ESPN has offered its take on the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ WR3 battle, specifically between third-year hopeful Roman Wilson and rookie Germie Bernard.

In ESPN’s new ranking of the 2026 NFL rosters, in which the Steelers were completely disrespected, Bernard was projected to get the starting nod over Wilson as the third wide receiver, joining WR1 DK Metcalf and WR2 Michael Pittman.

Bernard, selected by the Steelers in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft, has incredible versatility, capable of lining up out wide, in the slot and even out of the backfield as a rookie. And honestly, that does give him a leg up on Wilson.

For the most part, the Steelers have been successful at drafting receivers in later rounds. But you wouldn’t have guessed it based on Wilson’s usage over the past two seasons. There was hope he was primed for a Year 3 breakout, but if Pittsburgh’s offense plays out like ESPN projects, Wilson may not be given a chance.

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