Iowa's Kaden Wetjen Shines in NFL Preseason as Steelers' Steal
After a month of training camp and NFL preseason action, teams have locked in their 53-man rosters and practice squads. While the regular season brings the starters to the spotlight, the preseason is where young players step up and dominate. This year, several players impressed their teams and fan bases, but one name stands out for Iowa sports fans: Kaden Wetjen.
Kaden Wetjen Turns Heads with Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers took Wetjen in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, a pick that raised eyebrows at the time. Wetjen, known primarily as a return specialist during his time at Iowa, seemed like an early selection for that role. But the Steelers appear to have known exactly what they were doing.
Wetjen showcased his speed throughout the preseason. His big play came on a simple in-breaking route in the first week of preseason action, turning what would have been a small gain into a 74-yard touchdown. He also flashed his big-play ability in the return game against Buffalo, taking a punt return 45 yards to the house.
For Iowa fans who watched Wetjen electrify Kinnick Stadium, his preseason performance is no surprise. His ability to change a game in an instant is exactly what the Steelers hoped to add to their special teams and receiving corps.
Undrafted Free Agents Making an Impact
While Wetjen was a draft pick, two undrafted free agents proved their worth this preseason. Joe Fagnano of the Baltimore Ravens and Wesley Bailey of the Los Angeles Rams both earned roster spots with standout performances.
Fagnano, a 25-year-old rookie who spent seven years in college football, showed poise in the pocket and the ability to scan the field, making split-second decisions that typically trouble rookie quarterbacks. The Ravens may have found a long-term backup for cheap, a valuable asset behind Lamar Jackson.
Bailey, undrafted out of Louisville, packs great length on the outside with his 6-foot-5 and 265-pound frame. Against New Orleans in Week 2 of the preseason, he played 48 defensive snaps and finished with 10 pressures, three quarterback hits and one sack. That performance sealed his spot on the roster alongside Myles Garrett, Byron Young, Josaiah Stewart and Desjuan Johnson.
Draft Picks Proving Their Value
Several drafted players also impressed during the preseason. Chicago Bears defensive tackle Jordan van den Berg, a sixth-round pick, moved fluidly for his size at 6-foot-3 and 310 pounds. His explosion off the line and powerful hands were a handful for offensive linemen. While he needs refinement, the raw talent is clear, and the Bears are ready to gamble on it after trading away Gervon Dexter to Atlanta.
Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Ty Robinson, a fourth-round pick from last year's draft, needed a strong preseason after a quiet rookie year. He delivered, totaling nine pressures, three sacks and seven run-stop tackles in 113 snaps. The Eagles have handed out big contracts this offseason, so cheap depth along the defensive line is crucial, and Robinson provides just that.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. stood out at the NFL Combine with a 4.33 40-yard dash at 6-foot-1 and 223 pounds. On 23 preseason attempts, he averaged 7.3 yards per carry, showing the big-play ability that made the Raiders confident in giving him more carries even when starter Ashton Jeanty is healthy.
Quarterbacks Showing Promise
Garrett Nussmeier fell to the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft despite being projected as a Day 2 or early Day 3 pick. The Kansas City Chiefs took him, and he has outplayed that draft position throughout the preseason. Learning behind Patrick Mahomes, Nussmeier has shown arm talent, pocket maneuverability and football IQ. His decision-making remains a work in progress, but he has proven he can play at this level.
Emmanuel Pregnon had such a dominant debut for the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1 of the preseason that they did not need to see more. In 32 offensive snaps, the third-round guard allowed just one pressure. At 6-foot-5 and 318 pounds, Pregnon is a mauler at guard who looks comfortable at the position, making him an early steal for the Jaguars.
What This Means for the Regular Season
Preseason performances do not always translate to regular-season success, but they offer a glimpse of the depth teams have built. For the Steelers, Wetjen's emergence adds a dynamic playmaker who can flip field position and score from anywhere on the field. For Iowa fans, it is a point of pride to see a Hawkeye making waves at the professional level.
As the regular season kicks off, these players will look to build on their preseason momentum. Whether they are starters, backups or special teams contributors, each has shown they belong in the NFL.
Photo: EssentiallySports