US EditionGerry Dulac: Why the Steelers Pivoted to Max Iheanachor After a Makai Lemon Heist
Philadelphia jumped ahead of Pittsburgh to land the USC receiver, while the Steelers pivoted to Arizona State tackle Max Iheanachor after the surprise trade.
- During Thursday night's NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles traded up from pick 23 to 21, selecting USC wide receiver Makai Lemon while he remained on the phone with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Omar Khan was actively planning to draft Lemon 21st overall, unaware that Eagles General Manager Howie Roseman had moved up to secure the player he felt made sense for their board.
- Caught off guard, Pittsburgh selected Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanachor in what insiders described as an "autopick" after losing their primary target. The selection doubled the embarrassment for the Steelers.
- Lemon told reporters afterward, "I feel like everything happened for a reason," while Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy expressed satisfaction with Iheanachor, saying the team had "a pod of players" to choose from.
- Steelers insider Mark Kaboly noted the Iheanachor pick could prove beneficial if Pittsburgh addresses receiver needs on Day 2, particularly since the team already acquired Michael Pittman Jr. during the offseason.
21 Articles
21 Articles
Steelers, new coach Mike McCarthy select offensive tackle Max Iheanachor 21st in NFL draft
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanachor in front of their hometown crowd with the No. 21 pick in the NFL draft on Thursday night. The Steelers’ offensive line could use some reinforcements after veteran guard Isaac…
“Steelers dodged a bullet” “Vocabulary hasn’t landed”: NFL fans rip Makai Lemon as new Eagles WR arrives in Philly after getting drafted No.20 overall
Makai Lemon did not take long before arriving in the city that he will play for in his first season in the NFL. Unfortunately, he has already been met with a cold reaction.
Insider Hints at Steelers Drafting WR in Round 2
The Pittsburgh Steelers made a last-second selection in the first round on Friday night when they drafted Arizona State offensive lineman Max Iheanachor at No. 21 overall. It was somewhat stunning because it was later revealed that the Steelers were going to draft star USC wide receiver Makai Lemon before the Philadelphia Eagles swooped in ahead of them to select him.While Iheanachor was perhaps not the Steelers’ first choice, it certainly wasn’…
Steelers' Mike McCarthy Explains Makai Lemon Phone Call Amid Trending Video, Iheanachor Pick
During an appearance Friday on the Rich Eisen Show, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy addressed the Philadelphia Eagles trading in front of the Steelers to select USC wide receiver Makai Lemon with the No. 20 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft on Thursday night.
'Why is Philly calling me?' USC's Makai Lemon was on the phone with another team when Eagles swooped in
Former USC receiver Makai Lemon was on the phone with the Pittsburgh Steelers when he learned the Philadelphia Eagles had traded up in the NFL draft to pick him a spot earlier.
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