Steelers Get Real on Eagles Stealing Makai Lemon From Them

(Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)

Many have suggested that the Pittsburgh Steelers were attempting to draft Makai Lemon before the Philadelphia Eagles called the Dallas Cowboys to make a trade up with them to select the University of Southern California standout.

It's an unfortunate part of what happens in the draft, but it doesn't sound like there's any ill feelings towards the Eagles and Howie Roseman, and more of an understanding from Pittsburgh that this is a business at the end of the day.

Unfortunately, in the draft, the Steelers have learned that these types of things happen, and no matter what the team tries to do, there are always going to be situations that they simply can't control.

“Yeah, you know, when the draft happens, there’s a lot of excitement that goes on,” Omar Khan said in his post-draft press conference, H/T Heavy.

“There was no ill intent. You know, [we] made the call. But as I mentioned, we have a good process, and you trust your board, and the draft throws curveballs at you in every round. Trust me, it happens throughout the draft — some public, some not. And things just sorta take care of themselves.”

Other higher-ups in the organization shared a similar sentiment, suggesting that they have to trust their board and did just that.

“Well I think Omar just answered the question,” Steelers HC Mike McCarthy said. “You have to trust your board. I’ve always looked at the draft boards similar to calling [plays in] a huge game. But obviously with a lot more energy — a lot of time and energy goes into putting that board together.”

It's unfortunate that the Steelers didn't get to draft who they wanted in that exact spot, but who knows, perhaps Lemon won't be the player that many expected him to be in Philadelphia.