ThePittsburgh SteelersselectedIowawide receiver Kaden Wetjen in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft on Saturday, April 25. Wetjen, a 5-9, 193-pound prospect, began his college career in the junior college ranks before taking a preferred walk-on opportunity at Iowa. He became an electric weapon for the Hawkeyes. While he did appear on offense, his explosiveness was particularly evident on special teams.
Wetjen is the first two-time Jet Award winner, given to the most outstanding return specialist in college football. Wetjen finished his Iowa career with six combined punt and kick return touchdowns.USA TODAY Sports' draft analyst Ayrton Ostly called Wetjen "one of the best return specialists in college football history who is an elusive open-field runner." However, according to Ostly, Wetjen's "smaller catch radius limits his ceiling as a slot receiver."
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Steelers Kaden Wetjen selection grade: C+
This might seem a bit early for Wetjen, but he's a big play in a bottle. He can flip the field in a hurry as a returner and give an electric element to Pittsburgh and its methodical approach. Still, the price is fairly exorbitant for a player who might not be much of a factor in the pass game beyond some scattered manufactured touches. –Jacob Camenker, USA TODAY Sports
The 2026 NFL Draft Theater stage at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa. on April 23, 2026.
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Steel City ready for draft night as the NFL comes to Pittsburgh
The2026 NFL DraftTheater stage at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa. on April 23, 2026.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Kaden Wetjen to Steelers: Pittsburgh selects elite return specialist at NFL draft