Steelers bolster Drew Allar's protection, adding a championship-winning tight end with strong blocking and work ethic to solidify the trenches.
The Pittsburgh Steelers continued to add help for the offensive side of the ball in Day 3.
The Steelers selected offensive tackle Max Iheanachor in the first round. In the second, Pittsburgh added wide receiver Germie Bernard.
The Steelers drafted Drew Allar in the third round, giving the team depth at quarterback amid questions about the future of Aaron Rodgers. Pittsburgh then added offensive lineman Gennings Dunker to round out Day 2.
In the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Steelers selected tight end Riley Nowakowski out of Indiana. Nowakowski recorded 32 receptions for 387 yards and two touchdowns on the national championship-winning Hoosiers.
Scouting Report
Lance Zierlein of NFL Media thinks Nowakowski has room to grow as a pass catcher. However, he should be a solid pass protector and run blocker for the Steelers.
"Nowakowski’s focus on the task never wavers. He’s reliable and tough at the point of attack and holds up well in pass protection," Zierlein. "He lacks height/length but is well-built and plays with better technique, strength, and finish than many offensive linemen in this class.
"He became a productive pass-catcher in 2025, but he could struggle to separate or win the seam against NFL man coverage. His character and work ethic are outstanding, and he should help elevate run-game execution wherever an offense lines him up."
Riley Nowakowski will help the Pittsburgh Steelers block.
Nowakowski began his college career as a walk-on. He's willing to put in the extra effort to succeed in the NFL.
“It went great, and now I’m back into go mode,” Nowakowski said of Indiana's pro day, via the Hoosiers.
“It’s doing extra work and getting on your grind. Put your head down and keep pushing until you don’t have anything left. Until that (draft) day comes, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Keep pushing until you get there.”
The Steelers have been aggressive in building the trenches during the draft. Nowakowski is another great pick to help protect Allar or whoever will be under center this season and next.
Pittsburgh's offense should be improved after boosting the trenches in all three days of the draft.