Steelers' Draft Nightmare: Eagles Steal Makai Lemon After Pittsburgh's Premature Call

The Pittsburgh Steelers endured one of the most humiliating moments of the NFL Draft’s opening round on Thursday, April 24, 2026, when their in-state rival, the Philadelphia Eagles, shattered their draft plans in real time.

General Manager Omar Khan was on the phone with USC wide receiver Makai Lemon, informing him he would be selected at No. 21 overall and join the Steelers. The mood in Pittsburgh’s war room shifted instantly when Lemon replied, "Why is Philly calling?"

Here is the moment Makai Lemon realized he was being drafted by the Steelers—only to learn the Eagles had traded up to take him:

"Why is Philly calling [me]?" — Makai Lemon to Omar Khan

Watch the full exchange via @Ross_McCorkle

The Steelers’ blunder stemmed from a premature decision. While the Dallas Cowboys were on the clock, Pittsburgh reached out to Lemon under the assumption Dallas would not select a wide receiver—and that the Eagles, the most likely candidate for a receiver at that slot, would avoid trading within the division. Both assumptions proved incorrect.

Pittsburgh ultimately selected offensive tackle Max Iheanachor, a pick widely regarded as a reach based on consensus big boards. While Iheanachor may develop into a solid player, he lacks the immediate impact of Lemon, who would have been a steal at No. 21. Analysts question how Iheanachor improves the Steelers’ roster, suggesting he may serve more as insurance for Broderick Jones than a transformative addition.

Meanwhile, the Eagles avoided a major offensive crisis. Philadelphia faced the prospect of either reaching for a pass catcher, shifting positions, or potentially trading A.J. Brown—all while risking an incomplete offense. Instead, the Eagles secured two key receivers via trades with the Cowboys: DeVonta Smith and Makai Lemon, giving them a dynamic duo to bolster their passing attack.

The fallout from this draft moment remains uncertain. Iheanachor could emerge as a star, Lemon might underperform, or the Steelers could regret this decision for years. One thing is clear: the Eagles’ draft strategy paid off, while Pittsburgh’s misstep left them scrambling.