Steelers Rookie WR Germie Bernard Turning Heads Ahead of Training Camp

Nairavoice | Jul 9, 2026 2h ago 161 0 3 min read

048cd0a215d98f1afee11a01c0d30c92 Steelers Rookie WR Germie Bernard Turning Heads Ahead of Training Camp

Steelers Rookie WR Germie Bernard Turning Heads Ahead of Training Camp originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh.
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With training camp weeks away, Pittsburgh Steelers rookie wide receiver Germie Bernard is earning plenty of attention early on.

Bernard, the Alabama standout who was drafted by Pittsburgh with the No. 47 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, has quickly translated his collegiate big-play ability to the pro level, drawing rave reviews during offseason workouts for his sharp route-running and immediate chemistry with the starting offense.

Heading into training camp, Bernard projects to compete for the WR3 role — behind DK Metcalf and offseason acquisition Michael Pittman Jr. — with third-year receiver Roman Wilson. While Wilson might enter training camp with the starting role, some insiders are saying Bernard is a real threat to become the starter come the 2026 season.

Germie Bernard drawing rave reviews at training camp

Ahead of training camp in late July, the rookie Bernard is gaining attention in the Steelers offense. The former Crimson Tide wide receiver has been praised for his ability to line up all over the field, and, moreover, his route-running ability.

Sports Illustrated’s Justin Melo noted how Bernard’s route-running fits in the Steelers offense, saying, “Bernard was the savviest route runner in the receiver class, and he’ll do an excellent job working underneath the coverage while DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. play a more vertical game for the Pittsburgh Steelers.”

Melo is not the only one noting Bernard as a potential breakout candidate in his rookie season, with others saying his work in the offseason — and the open spot in the starting group — will give him an opportunity to shine.

Steelers training camp is still weeks away, but rookie WR Germie Bernard is making an impression during the off-season. pic.twitter.com/gLsxLmTUeu
— Steelers Black and Gold Nation – Training Camp SZN (@B_GNation1) July 7, 2026

Bernard projects to compete with Wilson, who was selected out of Michigan with the 84th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, for the third wide receiver spot, operating out of the slot. Per Mike DeFabo of The Athletic, “Fans want to look past Wilson and go right to Germie Bernard. But Wilson will clearly be WR3 when camp starts. The question will be how long he can keep it.”

Wilson had 12 receptions for 166 yards and two touchdowns for Pittsburgh during the 2025 season, and while coach Mike McCarthy will use both in his personnel, Bernard is a notable fit. DeFabo notes that his “versatile, pro-ready profile and potential for yards after the catch should ease his transition.”

When training camp begins, expect Bernard to show his talent, whether route-running from the slot or his versatility to line up anywhere on the field, which he became known for under Kalen DeBoer in Tuscaloosa. Now, the question is simple: How he will translate to the next level with a Hall of Fame quarterback in Aaron Rodgers and a new, professional-tailored system?