The list of similarities between the Iowa football program and the Pittsburgh Steelers got longer on Saturday afternoon at the 2026 NFL Draft.
They already share the same uniform colors, lineage of long-tenured head coaches, and a focus on beating their opponents in the trenches. And now the Steelers have brought another Hawkeye to the Steel City, just over 12 hours after taking Gennings Dunker.
With the 121st pick in the fourth round of this year’s draft, the Steelers picked up Iowa wide receiver/return specialist Kaden Wetjen.
Wetjen, a two-time Jet Award winner, was electric during his two full seasons as the primary return specialist in Iowa City. He ended his career as a program record holder in career return touchdowns with six, and was a threat anytime he got the ball in his hands in the open field.
Wetjen fills an immediate need in Pittsburgh, as the Steelers have had one of the worst return games in the NFL over the past few years. That aspect of the game should see a huge boost with Wetjen now in town. If he can continue to improve as a receiver, this selection could be incredible value for the Steelers.
Wetjen will join a multitude of other former Hawks in Pittsburgh as he looks to help the Steelers find some postseason success.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Steelers scoop up Iowa football WR, return man Kaden Wetjen in NFL Draft
Reporting by Zach Hiney, Hawkeyes Wire / Hawkeyes Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
