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Steelers' Mike McCarthy On Makai Lemon NFL Draft Situation: 'I Feel Great About The Way It Ended Up'
TL;DR
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Max Iheanachor with the 21st pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after initially targeting USC receiver Makai Lemon. Coach Mike McCarthy expressed satisfaction with how the situation unfolded.
Key points
- Pittsburgh Steelers selected Max Iheanachor with the 21st overall pick
- Steelers initially targeted USC receiver Makai Lemon
- Mike McCarthy expressed satisfaction with the draft outcome
Mentioned in this story
USCArizona State
Pittsburgh SteelersMakai LemonMax Iheanachor
Southern California Trojans receiver Makai Lemon
Steelers' Mike McCarthy On Makai Lemon NFL Draft Situation: 'I Feel Great About The Way It Ended Up' originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Add SportsNet Pittsburgh as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Pittsburgh Steelers chose Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanachor with the 21st overall pick during the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft Thursday night, but they ended up taking a unique path to the selection.
The Steelers initially had their eyes on USC wide receiver Makai Lemon and general manager Omar Khan was even on the phone with the prospect as Pittsburgh waited its turn to pick.
That's when the Philadelphia Eagles swooped in and selected Lemon with the 20th pick (via trade with the Dallas Cowboys).
Pittsburgh head coach Mike McCarthy discussed the situationĀ during a Friday appearance on the "Rich Eisen Show."
"Mike McCarthy joins theĀ @RichEisenShowĀ to talk through the Steelers' No. 21 pick Max Iheanachor," the NFL on ESPN account posted on X.
Q&A
Why did the Steelers choose Max Iheanachor over Makai Lemon in the NFL Draft?
The Steelers ultimately selected Max Iheanachor after initially considering Makai Lemon, indicating a strategic decision based on their draft needs.
What did Mike McCarthy say about the Steelers' draft decision regarding Makai Lemon?
Mike McCarthy stated he feels great about how the situation with Makai Lemon ended up, reflecting confidence in the team's choice.
Who was the Steelers' first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Steelers' first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft was offensive tackle Max Iheanachor from Arizona State.