Round 5, Pick 29 · #169 Overall
Pittsburgh Steelers · TE · Indiana
Traded: From LAR via KC
Decision Grade reflects market consensus at the moment of the pick. Teams often have private information the consensus does not.
Big Board Rank: #211 · Day 3 Sleeper
Riley Nowakowski emerged as a reliable possession tight end during his four-year tenure at Indiana, developing from a lightly-recruited walk-on into a consistent contributor for the Hoosiers. The 6-foot-4, 255-pound prospect built his reputation as a fundamentally sound receiver with excellent hands and route-running precision, though he lacks the elite athleticism to be a game-breaking threat. Nowakowski's draft stock has been buoyed by his exceptional blocking technique and football IQ, making him an intriguing developmental prospect for teams seeking a traditional Y-tight end who can contribute immediately on special teams while learning the nuances of NFL offensive systems.
Fan voting will be available once grades are published.