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Riley Nowakowski taken in fifth round of NFL draft; what Pittsburgh Steelers are getting
Nowakowski gives Pittsburgh a versatile blocker and receiver after a career-best season with 32 catches for 387 yards and two touchdowns.
- On Saturday, April 25, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Indiana University tight end Riley Nowakowski with the 169th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, with actor Michael Keaton announcing the choice on the North Shore.
- The Wisconsin transfer blossomed in Bloomington after starting his career as a linebacker and fullback for the Badgers, becoming a key contributor for the national champion Hoosiers with 32 catches, 387 yards, and two touchdowns in 2025.
- At Indiana's Pro Day, Nowakowski recorded a 4.66-second 40-yard dash and a 7.34 Relative Athletic Score, while Pro Football Focus credited him with four contested catches and 10 forced missed tackles.
- The Steelers traded with the Kansas City Chiefs to acquire Nowakowski, the first Indiana tight end drafted since Ian Thomas in 2018, and one of six Hoosiers selected through five rounds.
- USA TODAY gave the selection a B- grade, while CBS Sports assigned it a B, as Nowakowski transitions to the NFL following a season marked by critical postseason contributions.
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Pittsburgh Steelers land punishing Indiana fullback in fifth round
The Pittsburgh Steelers are taking Indiana fullback and tight end Riley Nowakowski with the 169th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He had a career year in 2025, with two rushing touchdowns, 32 receptions, 387 receiving yards, and two touchdowns.
·Harrisburg, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources11
Leaning Left2Leaning Right0Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution75% Center
Bias Distribution
- 75% of the sources are Center
75% Center
L 25%
C 75%
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