The Bernard factor.

I didn’t realize just how versatile he was in his deployment.

Out wide: 487 snaps — nearly split evenly between the left and right sides.
Slot: 308 snaps.
Backfield: 41 snaps.

This guy lined up literally everywhere. Versatility isn’t just a buzzword with Bernard — it’s his calling card! In the NFL, he’ll likely begin his career primarily beating No. 2 and No. 3 cornerbacks, but his skill set gives him the potential to do much more. One of his standout traits is his elite, reliable hands. Across his entire college career (Michigan State, Washington, and Alabama), he posted one of the lowest drop rates in the country. In his final two seasons at Alabama, he was targeted 175 times and had just 3 true drops.

That’s impressive reliability at a postion which had has it share of drop lately on the Steelers. He’s also a legitimate YAC threat with strong contact balance and the ability to create after the catch. Combine that with smooth, crisp route running, and you have a true chain-mover. At 6'1", 206 lbs, he’s bigger than most corners he’ll face, giving him a physical edge at the catch point.Whether it’s outside on either side or from the slot, Bernard produces.

A creative offensive mind like McCarty is going to have a field day scheming him up in all these roles!

-JB

 

This is why he was often referred to as the best slot receiver in this draft. Why the Steelers moved up to make sure we got him. I think he will be one of ARod's favorites.

 

The Steeler offense is going to be good. We have many matchups to exploit in our favor WR!

We also have two very good TE's to deploy. One is good target to pass to, the other is a monstrous blocker in the ground game.

Situational football! Mike McCarthty knows how and when to use his players. It is all coming together nicely.

I'll write a detailed article on the above in camp.

 

Rookie receivers take a while to learn the offense and AR is very picky about receivers being where they are supposed to be

Bernard checks all the boxes but I would not expect to see him on the field much if at all at the start if the season

At this point even Roman Wilson is ahead of him

 

I literally pointed all of this out during the entirety of the 2026 NFL Draft Cycle. This shouldn't be breaking news. What should be breaking news is not if but when Mike McCarthy elects to place Bernard into the starting lineup.

I would hazard a guess to say as early as Week 3 barring injury.

 

I see more of a turbocharged Jarvis Landry than I do a Deebo Samuel honestly. People tend to forget how jacked up Deebo was coming out of South Carolina in comparison to Bernard. Play styles are similar but physical attributues matter just as much.

 

I thought he was a better Wr than Lemon, but hey that's just me.

 

I said as much throughout the 2026 Draft Cycle.