The Steelers' draft of Kaden Wetjen has sparked discussions about whether he was a reach in the fourth round. Primarily known for his role as a kick and punt returner in college, Wetjen's versatility might help justify his selection. Beat writer Ray Fittipaldo highlighted that, despite Wetjen's limited offensive usage, he excelled as a return specialist at Iowa, boasting six career return touchdowns. For Wetjen to be considered a good draft pick, the Steelers need to leverage his skills and create opportunities for him as an offensive player.

By the Numbers
  • Kaden Wetjen recorded 132 rushing yards and 23 receptions for 197 yards in his college career.
  • He scored four touchdowns on kick and punt returns in 2025, totaling six career return touchdowns.
State of Play
  • The Steelers are aiming to integrate Wetjen into their offensive schemes alongside his specialized return duties.
  • Other draft picks, like Eli Heidenreich and Riley Nowakowski, also lack a defined role, highlighting a trend in the Steelers’ recent draft strategy.
What's Next

If Wetjen can successfully translate his collegiate return skills to the NFL, his impact could validate the Steelers' pick. Creating tailored plays for him could enhance his role, potentially leading to game-changing contributions as a dual-threat player.

Bottom Line

Kaden Wetjen's success will hinge on how well the Steelers can utilize his unique skills. A focus on special teams and innovative offensive plays may not only justify his draft position but could also turn him into a valuable asset for the team.