DeFabo: Bernard likely to play in ‘big slot’ role

Bernard started alongside other Steelers backups this evening, indicating he has not yet earned a starting role in three-wide receiver sets. That said, he looked good. Bernard found the end zone via a screen pass on the Steelers’ second drive, shaking a defender immediately after the catch before muscling past another as he crossed the plane. He nearly scored again on the following drive, but QB Will Howard overthrew him in the end zone. The Steelers’ top-two WRs, DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman, are just getting over injuries, and No. 3 WR Roman Wilson should not be considered insurmountable in-house competition. Bernard could work his way into the lineup early in the year.

Not a glowing review. Combine Bernard’s struggles with the idea that the Steelers might remain run-heavy this year (also espoused by Solak) and it feels like Bernard might just be a deep-league bench option this year. It should be noted that the overwhelming majority of the drumbeat about Bernard this offseason has been positive, so perhaps this was just an off-day.

DeFabo calls Roman Wilson the WR3 “at this exact moment,” which isn’t exactly a qualifier that lends to us believing that Wilson will be there at the end of training camp after his first few lost seasons. Bernard “has a really high floor” per DeFabo’s looks at OTAs and we wouldn’t be surprised if he had a role in his first season. It’s hard to see how it would be more than mildly fantasy interesting behind DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman, but perhaps Bernard can establish himself for a bigger 2027.

Bernard’s signing comes on the Steelers’ first day of voluntary OTAs. The former Alabama prospect who was drafted 47th overall last month is hoping to make an early impact as a rookie despite joining a crowded receiver room that includes D.K. Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. as its top targets. Bernard totaled 64 receptions for 862 yards and seven touchdowns in his final season with the Crimson Tide while playing 62.2 percent of his snaps on the outside, per PFF. That said, Bernard also has ample experience playing from the slot, which should give him an inside edge for early playing time in three-receiver sets.

Bernard (6’1/206) spent two years as a backup, split between Michigan State and Washington, during his underclassmen years. It’s normally fair to point out a lack of early-career production as a red flag, but it’s hard to blame him for not producing while parked behind Jayden Reed, Keon Coleman, Rome Odunze, Ja’Lynn Polk, and Jalen McMillan over those two seasons. Finally at Alabama in 2024, Bernard logged a team-high 50 receptions for 794 yards and two scores. He again led the Crimson Tide in catches in 2025 with 64 and turned that into 862 yards and seven scores while also running for 101 yards and two scores on 18 attempts. Bernard is slippery with the ball in his hands and can win at any level of the field, even if he makes his money on short and intermediate looks. He also has over 500 career routes from the slot and out wide each, meaning he should have no issues playing whatever role his NFL team needs. Bernard isn’t lightning-fast on tape and a 4.48 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine is solid, but nothing to write home about. He should stick around the league for a long time, though it’s fair to question the ceiling of his fantasy outlook.

Bernard, a projected day two pick in the 2026 draft, also visited the Browns and Raiders earlier in the draft process. The 22-year-old tallied 64 receptions for 862 yards and seven touchdowns for Alabama last season, earning a Senior Bowl invite, though he did not partake in the event. He led Alabama in receptions for two straight seasons and has the production to be an impactful receiver at the next level. The Steelers and Falcons are both looking for WR2s while the Browns and Raiders need any pass-catching help they can get with young offenses. All four teams should be in play to draft Bernard once the second round begins.