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Steelers rookie labeled player who must produce right away

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a significant investment in their passing game this offseason, acquiring Michael Pittman Jr. to pair alongside DK Metcalf and provide veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers with additional weapons. Despite those additions, one NFL analyst believes rookie wide receiver Germie Bernard could play a critical role in the offense from day one.

Genaro Filice of NFL.com named Bernard among 12 rookies across the league who need to succeed immediately in their first NFL season, pointing to Rodgers’ evolving playing style as a major factor.

“Among qualified quarterbacks last season, Rodgers finished dead last in air yards per attempt at 5.9 — more than half a yard lower than anyone else, per NGS,” Filice wrote.

Filice believes Bernard’s skill set could make him an ideal fit for Rodgers at this stage of his career.

“At this stage in his career, the future Hall of Famer generally looks to get rid of the ball as quickly as possible, as evidenced by his league-low time-to-throw figure in 2025 (2.59 seconds),” Filice wrote. “But after losing his favorite checkdown target in free agency — RB Kenneth Gainwell signed with the Buccaneers — Rodgers needs a new easy button. Insert Bernard, a slot receiver with run-after-catch ability.”

The reasoning is understandable. Bernard’s ability to create yards after the catch and operate effectively in the short passing game could provide Rodgers with a reliable underneath option.

However, there are reasons to question whether that level of responsibility will fall on the rookie immediately.

Under new head coach Mike McCarthy, the Steelers’ offense could feature a more aggressive downfield passing approach than what Rodgers operated in during recent seasons. Pittsburgh also added proven veterans in Pittman and Metcalf, which should reduce the pressure on Bernard to make an instant impact.

There’s also Rodgers’ history with rookie pass catchers to consider. Throughout much of his career, the veteran quarterback has been known to place a premium on trust and timing, often taking time to develop chemistry with younger receivers before heavily involving them in the offense.

Bernard is widely viewed as an important part of Pittsburgh’s future, and there is plenty of optimism surrounding his long-term outlook. Still, labeling the second-round pick as a rookie who must succeed immediately may be a bit premature given the talent already surrounding him in the Steelers’ offense.

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