Riley Nowakowski, a fullback selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2026 NFL Draft, showcased strong blocking performance as a tight end last season. With the majority of his snaps at tight end, he earned a notable 73.7 run-blocking grade, ranking second among drafted tight ends, while his pass-blocking grade of 68.5 placed him in the middle of the pack. However, there are concerns regarding the volatility of his blocking; his 2.4% blown block rate was one of the highest in the group. As he transitions to a fullback role, it remains to be seen how he will adapt. Overall, his strong run-blocking skills may present a valuable asset to the Steelers moving forward.

By the Numbers
  • Nowakowski's 73.7 run-blocking grade ranked second among 21 drafted tight ends.
  • His 2.4% blown block rate was the fourth-worst among his peers.
Yes, But

Despite his impressive run-blocking grades, the high blown block rate raises concerns about consistency and reliability, which could affect his performance in the NFL.

State of Play
  • Nowakowski is primarily noted for his run-blocking abilities, which may benefit the Steelers' offense.
  • His adjustment from tight end to fullback remains uncertain, presenting an area of focus during training and preseason.
What's Next

As the Steelers prepare for the upcoming season, monitoring Nowakowski's adaptation to a fullback role and consistency in blocking performance will be crucial to gauge his impact on the team's offensive strategy.

Bottom Line

Nowakowski's potential as a strong run blocker is promising, but his tendency for volatility suggests that the Steelers will need to invest in developing his skills to fully realize his value on the field.