Two-Way TE Threat Drafted by Steelers in Round 5
Riley Nowakowski, selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 5th round (No. 169) of the 2026 NFL Draft, stands out as a rare two-way tight end who evolved from a block-first specialist into a dynamic receiving threat. In his final Indiana season, he averaged 12.9 yards per reception on 23 catches with 2 touchdowns, while earning a 72.5 run-blocking grade and allowing just one sack in 98 pass-protection snaps. His 4.66-second 40-yard dash at the 2026 combine underscores elite speed, and his five-year journey (including 40 games at Wisconsin) reflects relentless intensity and adaptability. He’s a high-fit, versatile asset for any team needing a TE who can protect, block, and score with flair.
