The Philadelphia Eagles traded up to the No. 20 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to select USC wide receiver Makai Lemon, who was initially targeted by the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers were on the phone with Lemon when the Eagles executed their trade.
The Pittsburgh Steelers hosted their own robbery at the 2026 NFL Draft.
With the event being held in Pittsburgh for the first time on Thursday, the home team entered the first round with the No. 21 pick and plenty of needs to fill after going 10-7 last year. Then the Philadelphia Eagles traded up to No. 20 and selected their intended target, USC wide receiver Makai Lemon.
We know Lemon was Pittsburghâs target because NFL Networkâs Ian Rapoport reported soon after that they were on the phone with Lemon telling him they were preparing to draft him when the Eagles executed their trade with the Dallas Cowboys.
The Eagles actually had trouble getting Lemon on the phone because he was busy talking to the Steelers.
The Steelers recovered by drafting Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanachor with much fanfare, including a video message from Styx and an obligate playing of the teamâs âRenegadeâ anthem.
Lemon confirmed the story while speaking with reporters after the first round, via Rob Maaddi of the Associated Press:
"Pittsburgh called me and I thought they were going to draft me and then the Eagles called at the same time. I guess it was meant to be. I'm super excited to be in Philly."
This stuff probably happens more than you think. In fact, thereâs even precedent for the Eagles swiping a prized player from the team hosting the draft. Thatâs how they got tight end Dallas Goedert, a 2018 second-round pick who was selected immediately before the tight end-needy Dallas Cowboys in Dallas.
You might remember former Eagles kicker David Akers having some fun with that.
The Eagles certainly had reason to want Lemon, as trade rumors have swirled around Pro Bowl wide receiver A.J. Brown. Lemonâs game as a pass catcher is quite a bit different from Brownâs, but it seems like a good time to load up on talent there.
The Eagles traded up to the No. 20 pick to secure their intended target, USC wide receiver Makai Lemon, who was highly sought after.
The Steelers quickly recovered by drafting Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanachor, celebrating with fanfare including a video message from Styx.
The Eagles were competing against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who were in communication with Lemon and preparing to draft him when the Eagles made their trade.


Andre Onana's heroics help Trabzonspor reach the semi-finals!
See every story in Sports â including breaking news and analysis.
Lemon is coming off a junior season at USC in which he earned unanimous first-team All-American honors and won the Biletnikoff Award as the nationâs most best receiver. His route running and ball skills stand out in this draft class, though his 5-foot-11 frame is somewhat concerning.