Makai Lemon confirms ugly truth about Steelers' 2026 NFL draft plans

TL;DR

Makai Lemon confirmed that the Pittsburgh Steelers were on the phone with him for the No. 21 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, unaware that the Philadelphia Eagles had traded up to No. 20 to select him. The Steelers ultimately chose Max Iheanachor instead.

Key points

Makai Lemon confirmed the Steelers were on the phone with him.
The Eagles traded up to No. 20 to select Lemon.
Steelers picked Max Iheanachor at No. 21 instead.

Max IheanachorPittsburgh SteelersPhiladelphia EaglesDallas Cowboys

A moment that can only be described as the absolute pinnacle of embarrassment — the Pittsburgh Steelers were on the phone with top-wide receiver prospect Makai Lemon during the 2026 NFL Draft, ready to make their No. 21 selection without realizing the Philadelphia Eagles traded up to No. 20 for the talented playmaker. And Lemon just confirmed the humiliating draft story.

Following the draft moment, Lemon revealed that he was talking with the Steelers until he realized his phone was still ringing. And sure enough, it was the Eagles ready to make him their 20th overall draft pick after trading with the Dallas Cowboys.

"Yeah, first I answered the phone, and it was the Steelers," Lemon said via NBC Sports. "And then my phone kept ringing. I look, and it's the Eagles. They traded up, and then they were going to pick me. I feel like everything happened for a reason."

The Steelers, having their original selection preference in Lemon stolen out from under them, wound up reaching on Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanachor with the 21st overall pick.

Pittsburgh's front office had plenty of opportunities to trade up for Lemon throughout the 2026 NFL Draft and have no one to blame but themselves for this disastrous blunder.

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Q&A

What happened during the Steelers' 2026 NFL Draft selection?

The Steelers were in communication with Makai Lemon for the No. 21 pick but lost the opportunity when the Eagles traded up to select him at No. 20.

Who did the Steelers draft after losing Makai Lemon?

After missing out on Lemon, the Steelers selected Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanachor with the 21st overall pick.

Why did Makai Lemon feel everything happened for a reason?

Lemon expressed that despite the embarrassment of the situation, he believed it was meant to be when the Eagles selected him after the Steelers lost their chance.