NFL Draft Writer Says Steelers' Late-Round Pick Will 'Play In The NFL For A Decade' originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Add SportsNet Pittsburgh as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the 2026 NFL Draft with the most picks at 12 selections.

Following some trades, the Steelers ended up making 10 picks and there was one that stood out to NFL Draft writer Dane Brugler of The Athletic.

Brugler broke down his "2026 NFL Draft team-by-team rankings" on Monday, analyzing the "best and worst classes, from 1 to 32."

Pittsburgh ranked 17th on the national NFL writer's list.

Brugler praised the selection of Indiana tight end Riley Nowakowski, who was taken in the fifth round with the 169th overall pick.

"One of my favorite players in the class, Nowakowski is an extremely useful player because of his ability to impact the offense as both a blocker and pass catcher. He is going to play in the NFL for a decade, thanks to that proven versatility," he wrote.

Nowakowski played five seasons at Wisconsin before transferring to Indiana for the Hoosiers' 2025 national championship campaign.

He finished fifth on the team in receptions (32) and receiving yards (387) during the 2025 season.

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