Steelers Ink Three Draft Picks as New-Look Roster Begins to Take Shape

The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially begun the process of locking in their 2025 draft class, signing three of their ten selections on Friday. The team announced that fourth-round wide receiver Kaden Wetjen, sixth-round offensive tackle Gabriel Rubio, and seventh-round safety Robert Spears-Jennings have all put pen to paper. While these are the first contracts of the rookie class, the most significant dominoes—including first-round tackle Max Iheanachor and second-round wideout Germie Bernard—remain unsigned. For a franchise that prides itself on methodical roster construction, this initial wave of signings offers a fascinating glimpse into the team’s strategic priorities.

Wetjen, a former Iowa Hawkeye, was selected with the 121st overall pick. His signing represents a low-risk, high-potential addition to a wide receiver room that desperately needs depth and developmental talent. Meanwhile, Rubio and Spears-Jennings add much-needed competition along the offensive line and in the secondary. Let’s break down what each of these signings means for Pittsburgh’s immediate future and long-term outlook.

Kaden Wetjen: The Iowa Product with Untapped Potential

When the Steelers used a fourth-round pick on Kaden Wetjen, many analysts raised eyebrows. The Iowa Hawkeye’s collegiate stat line—23 receptions for 197 yards and one touchdown over three seasons—hardly screams “NFL playmaker.” But the Steelers’ front office, led by general manager Omar Khan, has never been one to draft purely on box-score production. Wetjen’s value lies in his route-running nuance, his special teams versatility, and his football IQ—traits that often go unnoticed by casual fans.

At 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, Wetjen possesses the frame of a classic X-receiver, but his game is built on precision rather than raw power. He started just seven of 40 games for the Hawkeyes, a reflection of Iowa’s run-heavy, conservative offense that rarely allowed wideouts to shine. However, when given opportunities, Wetjen showed flashes of separation ability and reliable hands. In 2024, he posted a career-high 12 receptions for 108 yards, demonstrating his ability to work the intermediate middle of the field—a critical area for any Steelers offense under new coordinator Arthur Smith.

Expert Analysis: “Wetjen is a classic ‘traits over production’ pick,” says NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. “He’s not going to wow you with speed or YAC ability, but he’s a technician. In Pittsburgh, he’ll be a fourth or fifth option at best early on, but if he can contribute on punt coverage and kick returns, he’ll carve out a role. The Steelers are betting on his development curve.”

Wetjen’s signing is also a signal that the team is looking for positional flexibility. With second-round pick Germie Bernard expected to start opposite George Pickens, and third-rounder Drew Allar (if he signs) likely to compete for the No. 3 spot, Wetjen will likely spend his rookie year as a depth piece and special teams ace. However, if he can build chemistry with quarterback Russell Wilson (or Justin Fields) during training camp, he could push for a rotational role by midseason.

Gabriel Rubio: A Developmental Tackle with a Steeler Mentality

The sixth-round selection of Gabriel Rubio, an offensive tackle from a smaller program, fits the Steelers’ long-standing tradition of finding value on Day 3 of the draft. Rubio, who played at Northern Illinois, is a massive human being at 6-foot-7 and 320 pounds. His signing adds depth to a tackle room that already features first-round pick Max Iheanachor and veteran Dan Moore Jr.

Rubio’s college tape reveals a powerful run blocker who excels in gap-scheme concepts—perfect for Arthur Smith’s run-heavy offense. He moves well for his size but will need significant technical refinement in pass protection. The Steelers’ offensive line coach, Pat Meyer, has a strong track record of developing late-round picks into contributors (see: rookie center Zach Frazier in 2024).

Prediction: Rubio will not start in 2025, but he will likely make the 53-man roster as a swing tackle. His ability to play both left and right tackle gives the Steelers insurance if Iheanachor or Moore struggle with injuries. Look for Rubio to get significant snaps in preseason games, where his physicality will be put to the test against NFL edge rushers.

The signing of Rubio also underscores a key theme of this draft class: offensive line depth. With Iheanachor, third-rounder Gennings Dunker (unsigned), and Rubio all on board, the Steelers are building a young, cost-controlled wall in front of their quarterback. This is a direct response to the team’s struggles in 2024, when injuries to the offensive line derailed the offense’s consistency.

Robert Spears-Jennings: A Safety with a Nose for the Ball

Seventh-round picks are often long shots to make the roster, but Robert Spears-Jennings has the pedigree and production to defy those odds. A four-year starter at Oklahoma State, Spears-Jennings recorded six interceptions, 15 pass breakups, and 200 tackles during his collegiate career. His signing adds a physical, instinctive safety to a Steelers secondary that already boasts Minkah Fitzpatrick and DeShon Elliott.

Spears-Jennings is not a burner—he ran a 4.62 40-yard dash at the combine—but he compensates with excellent football instincts and a willingness to come downhill in run support. In Pittsburgh’s zone-heavy defensive scheme under coordinator Teryl Austin, Spears-Jennings could thrive as a box safety or dime linebacker. His ability to read quarterbacks and jump routes makes him a candidate for special teams coverage units.

Expert Analysis: “Spears-Jennings is the kind of player who finds the football,” says former NFL safety Ryan Clark. “In the seventh round, you’re looking for guys who have a skill you can’t teach—instincts. He has that. If he can prove he’s a reliable tackler in the NFL, he’ll stick around for a while.”

Bullet Points: Key Takeaways from the Signings

• Kaden Wetjen is a developmental wideout who will contribute primarily on special teams in Year 1.
• Gabriel Rubio provides depth at offensive tackle with potential to develop into a swing starter.
• Robert Spears-Jennings adds physicality and ball-hawking ability to the safety room.
• These three signings leave seven draft picks unsigned, including first-rounder Max Iheanachor and second-rounder Germie Bernard.
• The Steelers are prioritizing offensive line and defensive back depth in this class.

What’s Next? The Remaining Unsigned Picks and Roster Implications

With Wetjen, Rubio, and Spears-Jennings now under contract, the Steelers still have work to do. The most critical unsigned player is Max Iheanachor, the team’s first-round pick out of Georgia. Iheanachor is expected to start at left tackle from Day 1, and his signing will likely come with a fully guaranteed four-year deal worth around $15 million. Until that happens, the Steelers’ offensive line plans remain in flux.

Second-round wide receiver Germie Bernard is another high-priority signing. The former Alabama and Washington standout is projected to be the team’s No. 2 wideout opposite George Pickens. His contract negotiations should be straightforward, as second-round picks typically sign quickly after the first round.

Third-round quarterback Drew Allar is the most intriguing unsigned player. The Penn State product is viewed as a developmental project behind Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. His signing will be closely watched, as it could signal the team’s long-term plans at the position. If Allar impresses in training camp, he could push for the No. 2 role by 2026.

Other unsigned picks include third-round cornerback Daylen Everette, third-round tackle Gennings Dunker, fifth-round tight end Riley Nowakowski, and seventh-round running back Eli Heidenreich. All are expected to sign within the next two weeks, as the team prepares for rookie minicamp.

Conclusion: A Foundation Built on Patience and Potential

The Steelers’ decision to sign three Day 3 picks first is a classic Art Rooney II–era move: methodical, unflashy, and focused on building from the bottom up. Kaden Wetjen, Gabriel Rubio, and Robert Spears-Jennings may not be household names, but they represent the kind of depth and competition that separates perennial contenders from pretenders. Wetjen’s route-running could eventually blossom into a reliable slot option; Rubio’s power could anchor the offensive line for years; Spears-Jennings’ instincts could make him a special teams star.

However, the true test of this draft class will come when Max Iheanachor and Germie Bernard sign their contracts. Those two players—along with quarterback Drew Allar—will determine whether the Steelers can return to the AFC’s elite tier. For now, the franchise is taking the patient approach: locking in the pieces that fit their culture, then building outward.

As training camp approaches, keep an eye on Wetjen’s development in route drills and Rubio’s battle for the swing tackle spot. In a league where depth wins championships, the Steelers are quietly assembling a roster that could surprise critics in 2025. The first three signings are a small but meaningful step in that direction.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.