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Eagles stole Steelers' first-round draft wish in front of their home fans
TL;DR
The Philadelphia Eagles traded up to the 20th pick in the NFL Draft, stealing USC wide receiver Makai Lemon from the Pittsburgh Steelers, who were selecting at 21. This surprising move occurred in front of Steelers fans during the draft in Pittsburgh.
Key points
- Eagles traded up to No. 20 overall in the NFL Draft
- Steelers selected Max Iheanachor at No. 21
- Makai Lemon was initially targeted by the Steelers
- Eagles stole Lemon from Steelers in front of home fans
- Lemon won the Biletnikoff Award
Makai LemonMax IheanachorBiletnikoff AwardPhiladelphia Eagles
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One of the most special moments of the modern NFL Draft is when the host city's team gets to make their first-round selection. With the draft being in Pittsburgh this year, the event was briefly paused when the Steelers were put on the clock at No. 21 overall. "Renegade" by Styx blared from the speakers, while franchise legend Jerome Bettis made his way up to the podium to announce that Pittsburgh had selected Max Iheanachor, offensive tackle out of Arizona State.
However, as we learned later, Iheanachor was not the Steelers' first choice. In fact, Pittsburgh's brass was on the phone with another prospect before the Philadelphia Eagles traded up to No. 20 overall and swiped him away.
The Dallas Cowboys were originally slated to pick at No. 20 overall, and with them expected to take a defensive player, the Steelers called up USC wide receiver Makai Lemon. As they revealed their plans to draft the reigning Biletnikoff Award winner, the Eagles struck a deal with the Cowboys to move up to No. 20 overall. NFL Media's Ian Rapoport reported that the Eagles could not reach Lemon, because he was already on the phone with the Steelers. Eventually, Philly made contact with him, and stole Lemon from the other Pennsylvania football team in front of their home fans!
From the NFL Draft: A wild story, as the #Eagles trade up for Makai Lemon... while he was on the phone with the #Steelers. pic.twitter.com/r1R6pQnFgi
Q&A
Why did the Eagles trade up to the 20th pick in the NFL Draft?
The Eagles aimed to secure USC wide receiver Makai Lemon, who was initially targeted by the Steelers.
Who did the Steelers select with their first-round pick in the NFL Draft?
The Steelers selected Max Iheanachor, an offensive tackle from Arizona State, with the 21st overall pick.
What impact does stealing Makai Lemon have on the Eagles and Steelers?
Lemon's addition strengthens the Eagles' receiving corps while leaving the Steelers to adjust their strategy after losing their preferred pick.
