Steelers Get Significant Update On Makai Lemon And Max Iheanachor After Tragic Sequence Of Events

The Pittsburgh Steelers got on the clock at 21st overall in the 2026 NFL Draft and selected offensive lineman Max Iheanachor. The pick was initially viewed as a little disappointing after all the news came out about how Steelers general manager Omar Khan was on the phone with Makai Lemon. The top wide receiver prospect was speaking with Khan when he questioned why the Philadelphia Eagles were calling him, only for his agent to shout that they had traded up to get him. Just like that, Pittsburgh’s expected direction changed, and the Steelers pivoted to Iheanachor instead.

The reaction from the fan base was immediate. Many were frustrated that the team missed out on a dynamic playmaker at wide receiver, especially given how the situation unfolded in real time. It felt like Lemon was within reach, only for the Eagles to swoop in and change the outcome at the last second. While Iheanachor fills a need along the offensive line, the emotional response centered more on the opportunity lost than the player gained.

NFL insider Tom Pelissero went on Good Morning Football on Friday to explain why the situation may not be as bad as it initially seemed for Pittsburgh. According to Pelissero, the Steelers remained disciplined in their approach and stuck to their board rather than overreacting in the moment. Passing on a panic move could ultimately benefit the team long term, especially if Iheanachor develops into a cornerstone piece up front.

"The Steelers had very similar grades on Makai Lemon and Max Iheanachor," Pelissero said. "They were looking at both with that pick at number 21. In those moments, you have a lot of moving parts. There are trade talks going on. You are not yet even on the clock. You do not control it here. My understanding is they were essentially trying to figure out what they were going to do."

The very first thing to note is that Pelissero is highlighting that Khan and Mike McCarthy had similar grades on both prospects. That means if Steelers fans trust the decision makers and their board, then this pick was not a panic move and they simply pivoted the way they intended. 

The concern comes if the Steelers’ evaluation of Iheanachor proves to be off, especially given how many fans wanted a wide receiver to fill a clear need. Passing on a top playmaker in that moment will always draw scrutiny, particularly with how close the team appeared to landing Lemon. Either way though, the Steelers didn't have a chance as they were at the Eagles' mercy.

However, with four picks across Rounds 2 and 3, the Steelers are well positioned to make up for it. They still have the draft capital to address wide receiver and reshape the narrative coming out of Day 1. Khan will definitely be looking to remind Steeler Nation that it is never about how you start, but always about how you finish.

Steelers Can Shift The Draft Narrative Fast Throughout Remainder Of Draft

The early reaction may have leaned negative, but the Steelers still have plenty of time to reshape this draft into something strong. If Iheanachor develops into a reliable piece up front and Pittsburgh lands impact skill players on Day 2, the narrative will shift quickly. 

Drafts are ultimately judged in hindsight, not in the moment, and Khan will be banking on that patience paying off for a roster still trying to build long-term stability. The Steelers still have 11 picks in their arsenal to change the complexion of this draft. 

The first night did not necessarily go how Steelers fans dreamed, but for Khan and McCarthy it may have been exactly what they wanted. Sometimes it is not the luxury pick, but the unsexy pick that continues to build the foundation in the trenches that makes all the difference.

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