With the 121st overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Steelers selected wide receiver Kaden Wetjen out of Iowa.
Wetjen, 24, is mostly known as a return specialist, though he technically will be listed as a wide receiver. He has good speed (4.47 40-yard dash), but was wildly productive as a returner. He averaged a ridiculous 26.8 yards per punt return on 21 attempts in 2025. Over his career, he set an Iowa record with six returns for touchdowns (four punts, two kickoffs).
"I've returned my whole career, even in high school," Wetjen said Saturday via conference call. "I played running back out of high school. I got some vision from playing running back and it carried over to the return mindset."
Wetjen credits his fearlessness and vision for what makes him a good returner. Special teams coordinator Danny Crossman said: "He makes great decisions, good ball security. He's what I refer to as a catch-run-cut player. A lot of guys are looking to cut maybe before they need to. He is fearless. He's not going to make the cuts until he has to, and he can do it late, he's good in tight area, he can make the shallow cut. He really brings a good skill set to the return game."
Wetjen was on the Steelers' radar, as they were Wetjen's only formal interview at the Combine. In addition to being the primary kick and punt returner, the Steelers could very well use Wetjen out of the slot or the backfield as a gadget player.
THE ASYLUM
Fourth round: Kaden Wetjen, wide receiver, Iowa
With the 121st overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Steelers selected wide receiver Kaden Wetjen out of Iowa.
Wetjen, 24, is mostly known as a return specialist, though he technically will be listed as a wide receiver. He has good speed (4.47 40-yard dash), but was wildly productive as a returner. He averaged a ridiculous 26.8 yards per punt return on 21 attempts in 2025. Over his career, he set an Iowa record with six returns for touchdowns (four punts, two kickoffs).
"I've returned my whole career, even in high school," Wetjen said Saturday via conference call. "I played running back out of high school. I got some vision from playing running back and it carried over to the return mindset."
Wetjen credits his fearlessness and vision for what makes him a good returner. Special teams coordinator Danny Crossman said: "He makes great decisions, good ball security. He's what I refer to as a catch-run-cut player. A lot of guys are looking to cut maybe before they need to. He is fearless. He's not going to make the cuts until he has to, and he can do it late, he's good in tight area, he can make the shallow cut. He really brings a good skill set to the return game."
Wetjen was on the Steelers' radar, as they were Wetjen's only formal interview at the Combine. In addition to being the primary kick and punt returner, the Steelers could very well use Wetjen out of the slot or the backfield as a gadget player.
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