When the Pittsburgh Steelers used a fourth-round pick on former Iowa star Kaden Wetjen in last month's NFL draft, many around the league raised an eyebrow. After all, the two-time Jet Award winner—given to the nation's top return specialist—was widely projected to go late on Day 3. But the Steelers saw something special, and they weren't about to let him slip away.

That decision is already looking like a potential masterstroke. Wetjen, who dominated as a return man over the past two college seasons, fills a glaring need for a Steelers team that ranked near the bottom of the league in average kick return yards last season. With a clear path to immediate playing time, the stage is set for him to make an instant impact.

Draft analyst Emory Hunt, speaking on Ross Tucker's College Draft podcast, didn't hold back when discussing Wetjen's potential. "Kaden Wetjen, the returner, slot guy from Iowa—instantly starting punt returner, kick returner," Hunt said. "And he's probably going to be an All-Pro as a rookie in that regard while he develops more as a receiver."

That's high praise, but the numbers back it up. During his Hawkeye career, Wetjen averaged an eye-popping 27.5 yards per kick return and 17.7 yards per punt return. To put that in perspective, the Steelers managed just 8.8 yards per punt return last season. Simply plugging Wetjen into the lineup could give Pittsburgh a free first down on nearly every return—a game-changing advantage that can't be overstated.

Iowa fans know all too well what happens when Wetjen gets the ball in open space: it's often a highlight waiting to happen. If Hunt's bold prediction comes true, Steelers Nation won't have to wait long to see that same electric ability on full display. For a team looking to add a spark in the return game, Wetjen might just be the steal of the draft.