The Steelers missed out on USC WR Makai Lemon, who was drafted by the Eagles. Pittsburgh then selected offensive tackle Max Iheanachor with the 21st pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Key points
Steelers missed out on USC WR Makai Lemon
Eagles traded up to draft Lemon with the 20th pick
Steelers selected Max Iheanachor with the 21st pick
It's safe to say Pittsburgh sports fans aren't very fond of Philadelphia right now. If the Flyers having a 3-0 series lead over the Penguins wasn't bad enough, the Eagles poured salt on the wound by literally stealing Makai Lemon away from them on Day 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Steelers general manager Omar Khan was on the phone with Lemon when the Eagles traded picks with the Cowboys to draft the former USC receiver with the 20th overall pick. Pittsburgh was forced to pivot and used the 21st overall pick on former Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanachor.
Here’s USC WR Makai Lemon on the phone with the #Steelers and everyone going crazy….
While they weren't able to land Lemon, the Steelers still have several strong receiving prospects to choose from over the final two days of the draft. And with 11 remaining picks, don't be surprised if Khan uses some of them to trade up from No. 53 overall to target a receiver in the second round, which kicks off Friday night at 7 p.m. ET.
Q&A
Why did the Steelers lose Makai Lemon to the Eagles?
The Eagles traded picks with the Cowboys to draft Makai Lemon just before the Steelers could select him.
Who did the Steelers draft after missing out on Makai Lemon?
The Steelers drafted offensive tackle Max Iheanachor from Arizona State with the 21st overall pick.
What impact does losing Makai Lemon have on the Steelers?
Losing Lemon may affect the Steelers' receiving options and overall strategy for the upcoming season.
What was the reaction of Steelers fans to the Eagles drafting Lemon?
Pittsburgh sports fans expressed frustration and disappointment after the Eagles drafted Lemon, intensifying the rivalry.
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Germie Bernard isn't an elite athlete, but he's dependable. He's where he needs to be when he needs to be there and posted a 2.9% drop rate in 2025, per TruMedia. Bernard offers inside-outside versatility and projects best as a complementary piece in an NFL passing game.
About
2025: Career highs in receptions (64), receiving yards (862) and receiving TD (7)
2025: Top five in the SEC in first-down receptions (42) and forced missed tackles on receptions (17)
Strengths
Smooth operator who breaks down defenders in space
Tough over the middle with a feel for settling in soft spots versus zone
Alignment versatility; 43.0% of snaps from the slot over the past two years, per TruMedia
Weaknesses
Questionable top-end speed
Inconsistent winning at the catch point
Must consistently defeat jams at the line of scrimmage
How Bernard fits with Steelers
Bernard was well-traveled in college, spending one year apiece at Michigan State and Washington before two seasons at Alabama. His career took off in Tuscaloosa; he caught 114 passes for 1,656 yards and nine touchdowns for the Crimson Tide while averaging 14.5 yards per reception.
A consistent performer, Bernard caught at least four passes in nine of Alabama's 14 games last season. He also delivered a series of critical catches, including a key touchdown in Alabama's regular-season win at Georgia.
Versatility is one of Bernard's best assets, as he can fill a variety of roles.
Alright Steelers please trade up for Germie Bernard. 🙏
Antonio Williams is a fluid slot receiver with the versatility to contribute on special teams. He's on the lighter side and has missed time due to injury, but he understands how to work in space and create yards after the catch. Williams can be productive in an NFL offense if he stays healthy.
About
2024-25: 15 receiving TD (led ACC)
2024: 11 receiving TD (led ACC)
Strengths
Punt-return ability
Uses his eyes and body well to sell route fakes
Fluid, tough athlete who is comfortable with the ball in his hands
2.8% drop rate in 2025, per TruMedia
Weaknesses
Missed 12 games due to injury over his career
More fluid than explosive or fast
Releases versus press coverage
How Williams fits with Steelers
Williams played his entire collegiate career at Clemson, catching 208 passes for 2,336 yards and 21 touchdowns over four seasons. In 2024, he led the ACC with 11 touchdown receptions while adding 75 catches for 904 yards.
His numbers dipped in 2025, when he caught 55 passes for 604 yards and four touchdowns and averaged just 11 yards per reception.
Pittsburgh needs a slot receiver, which is one reason Williams makes sense as a Day 2 option.
Denzel Boston is a big, powerful receiver who moves like a much smaller player. He's dangerous after the catch and tough to bring down in space. Boston can win at all three levels and adds value as both a blocker and returner. Bottom line: His size, strength and reliability make him a difficult matchup.
About
2025: 3.1% drop rate (62 receptions, 2 drops)
2025: Third-team All-Big Ten
Strengths
Size and strength with running-back-like YAC ability
Reliable hands and wide catch radius
Physical blocker who adds value beyond receiving
Weaknesses
Can look stiff on sharp direction changes
Occasional body-catching tendency
How Boston fits with Steelers
Boston's physical style would mesh well with the Steelers, who value receivers willing to block in the run game. He also has a nose for the end zone, catching 20 touchdowns over his final two seasons at Washington.
Brenen Thompson's career has taken him across the SEC, starting at Texas, then spending two seasons at Oklahoma before finishing at Mississippi State. His big-play ability didn't fully emerge until his time with the Bulldogs. He got open downfield at will last fall, averaging 18.5 yards per catch and topping 1,000 yards. Thompson is undersized and will face limitations, but he separates at a high level.
About
Pre-draft: Led all NFL combine participants with a 4.26-second 40-yard dash
2025: Broke Mississippi State single-season receiving yards record (1,054)
Strengths
Graceful, explosive mover with elite burst out of breaks
Can run routes at angles and shows good body control
Plus play strength for his size; fights to avoid contact
Weaknesses
Tends to body-catch and will drop some passes
Smaller frame and limited catch radius; unlikely to consistently work the middle of the field in the NFL
Late bloomer with only one year of significant production
How Thompson fits with Steelers
Of the available receivers, Thompson's skill set may be the most complementary alongside DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. While Metcalf and Pittman are bigger, more physical targets, Thompson is a home-run threat who could boost Pittsburgh's vertical attack. Their presence would also help ease his transition as he works to become a more complete receiver.
Turning on Brenen Thompson tape, extremely intrigued by what I've heard about his route running in combination with the 4.26 speed
Malachi Fields broke out in his third season at Virginia with 58 catches for 811 yards in 2023. While the raw production hasn't spiked over the past two years, he has developed into a more complete receiver. Fields is one of the better possession targets in the class, pairing strong hands with an expansive catch radius. He may never be a high-end separator, but he can still win when covered.
About
2024: Third-team All-ACC
Career: 15.0 yards per catch, 16 TD
Strengths
Big wingspan and body control to finish outside his frame
Outstanding hands; rarely drops the routine throw
Smooth hips; can stop and snap back to the quarterback on hitches
Weaknesses
Modest production; never topped 811 yards in a season
Limited speed to stack corners vertically
Not a full-route-tree receiver or movable chess piece
How Fields fits with Steelers
Fields appears to be the most realistic choice for the Steelers if they stand pat at No. 53 overall. While his skill set overlaps with Metcalf and Pittman, his overall ability still gives him a chance to carve out a role in Pittsburgh's offense.
Their presence could also create more big-play opportunities for Fields, who averaged an impressive 17.5 yards per reception during his lone season with the Fighting Irish. His reliable hands should also help him earn early trust from Pittsburgh's starting quarterback, whoever that may be.
Here is every one-on-one rep for Notre Dame WR Malachi Fields during the 2026 Senior Bowl: pic.twitter.com/HRkbCYrxzS
