Pittsburgh moved from No. 53 to No. 47 in the 2026 second…
Pittsburgh moved from No. 53 to No. 47 in the 2026 second round and selected receiver Germie Bernard, also receiving pick No. 249. Indianapolis received Nos. 53, 135 and 237, using them on CJ Allen, Bryce Boettcher and Seth McGowan. The Steelers paid two later selections to secure their preferred receiver, while the Colts added volume without leaving the second round; that balance supports an Even Trade and C grades.
Indianapolis Colts Received
- pick 2026 2nd round pick (53rd overall, CJ Allen)
- pick 2026 4th round pick (135th overall, Bryce Boettcher)
- pick 2026 7th round pick (237th overall, Seth McGowan)
Pittsburgh Steelers Received
- pick 2026 2nd round pick (47th overall, Germie Bernard)
- pick 2026 7th round pick (249th overall subsequently traded, Garrett Nussmeier )
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
Pittsburgh received the No. 47 and No. 249 selections in the 2026 draft. Indianapolis received Nos. 53, 135 and 237. The Steelers used No. 47 on receiver Germie Bernard, while the Colts selected linebacker CJ Allen at No. 53, Bryce Boettcher at No. 135 and Seth McGowan at No. 237. The late pick Pittsburgh obtained was later moved in another transaction.
Why the Value Moved
The Steelers paid two later selections to climb six places in the second round. That is a meaningful but manageable premium when a team believes a specific player will not reach its original slot. Indianapolis accepted the risk of losing Bernard or another target in exchange for adding two extra picks while staying in the same round. The Colts therefore spread their value across three players, while Pittsburgh concentrated its value in the player it preferred most.
How the Outcome Looks
The early nature of the trade matters. Bernard, Allen, Boettcher and McGowan had not accumulated enough NFL evidence to justify grading the move as a clear win or loss. Pittsburgh's side will look strong if Bernard becomes a reliable starting receiver, because moving six places is not an extreme cost. Indianapolis' side will improve if Allen develops into a starter and either later pick produces a useful role. Both paths are realistic, and neither team surrendered a future premium choice.
Final Verdict
Even Trade. Pittsburgh receives a C because the club paid a normal targeted premium to secure Bernard without sacrificing a future first or second. Indianapolis also receives a C because moving down only six slots while adding Nos. 135 and 237 created additional chances to find contributors. The transaction was a reasonable exchange of draft certainty for draft volume, and a stronger grade should wait for the players to establish their NFL value.