Rounds 4-7 Recap: Steelers find good value late, go off the board for one

Games are not usually won during the NFL Draft, but you can lose some if you are continually whiffing on selections. In this case, day three of the NFL Draft concluded on an all-time note (attendance record set), and the Pittsburgh Steelers walked away with an intriguing group of prospects, operating a bit differently from previous drafts, putting more emphasis on traits and going a bit off the consensus big boards. Going into the last day, Pittsburgh ended up taking five players in total: Iowa's Kaden Wetjen, Indiana's Riley Nowakowski, Notre Dame's Gabriel Rubio, Oklahoma's Robert Spears-Jennings, and Navy's Eli Heidenreich. Surprisingly, they did not take a linebacker or punter with the 10 picks they used, but under a microscope, each pick made on the third day paints a bigger picture.

Round 4: Kaden Wetjen analysis

Wetjen was considered by many to be a massive reach in the fourth round. Still, his dynamic dual return ability will immediately elevate the Steelers' special teams unit in 2025, which was dead last in return yards. He was, arguably, the best return man in college football at Iowa, as flipping field position became an instant strength of his in short order. Wetjen runs a blistering 4.47 speed, where he led the nation in combined return yards (1,039), punt return average (26.8), and tied for return touchdowns (4). Needless to say, he is dominant at special teams (two-time Jet Award winner), backed by strong elusiveness (evading the first open-space tackling attempt), vision that navigates itself well through traffic, is sudden with short-area quickness that is twitchy, instantly creating separation off cuts, and has lower-body strength to withstand contact initially. It's also worth mentioning that he's a much better route runner and receiver than people would give credit for (as seen in his East-West Shrine Bowl reps).

Round 5: Riley Nowakowski analysis

Nowakowski might be a more polished and sturdy version of Connor Heyward. He is someone who can do it all, playing halfback, tight end, and fullback. His hands are the best at his position (0 drops over 36 targets last season), and his blocking is elite (on the perimeter, in space, and in pass protection), with impressive yards after catch (7.7), excellent vision and contact balance, and his positional flexibility and versatility make him a valuable asset as a lead blocker or in-line/move tight end. He'll be the third tight end behind Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington, on top of playing fullback at times on offense. Nowakowski played a pivotal role in the Hoosiers' national championship-winning season, cementing his draft status with a breakout campaign after changing positions from linebacker after transferring from Wisconsin.

Round 6: Gabriel Rubio analysis

If you want to talk about someone way off everyone's draft boards, Rubio fits that criteria. Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham and head coach Mike McCarthy were both looking for specific traits in a defensive tackle, as Rubio has massive size (6'5, 321 lbs), good length (33 5/8"), and is best known for his run-stuffing and defending. He doesn't offer much as a pass rusher, but what he can do is play inside in many different techniques, from zero all the way to four. He brings heavy hands, allowing him to hold his own gap and push blockers aside. He is difficult to move in a single block, can block field goals and bat down passes, excelling at closing run lanes and stacking numerous blockers. Injuries derailed a lot of his collegiate career, but if he can stay healthy, it's understandable why Pittsburgh made this pick. It remains to be seen if their boldness proves right (the biggest wild card by far in this class).

Round 7: Robert Spears-Jennings analysis

The theme of special-teams investment continues, as Spears-Jennings brings an extremely athletic profile (4.32 40) to a struggling unit in need of new blood. Speaking of which, he is a weapon there (a prototype gunner contributing as a core special-teamer right away), rarely misses tackles, and plays a physical style of football aligned with the Steelers' identity. His range and ball-tracking instincts are exceptional, and he can play in zones that are high-safety. A thumper in the run game, showing no fear at the line of scrimmage, he is versatile at the safety position (can play box, free safety, and slot). Spears-Jennings will provide depth at the safety position while also hopefully filling the shoes of long-time special teams ace Miles Killebrew. An all-around good piece to have, as the Steelers snagged him late despite being projected to go earlier.

Round 7: Eli Heidenreich analysis

Last but most definitely not least, Heidenreich is not just a feel-good hometown story. He's a Swiss Army Knife, a hybrid prospect who can play a handful of positions, all while showing off his versatility (jet sweeps, running a normal route tree from the slot). An immensely accomplished and productive player while at the Naval Academy, Heidenreich amassed 1,994 scrimmage yards. He's also built tough, determined as a runner playing from behind with his pads, and has great hands (zero drops over 53 catches). Just like Spears-Jennings, he can play on special teams in all phases (each of the four). It'll be fascinating to see how McCarthy utilizes his skill set, considering he could be battling Kaleb Johnson as the third running back on the totem pole. But no doubt, the playbook will be opened for him as a uniquely position-less player.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers come away with good depth on both sides, take a flyer as well