The Pittsburgh Steelers drew attention during Day 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft after calling wide receiver Makai Lemon to inform him of their intent to draft him, only for the Philadelphia Eagles to trade up and select him. Former NFL scout Bucky Brooks called the pre-pick call standard procedure, while analyst John Middlekauff labeled it an unforgivable embarrassment for general manager Omar Khan. The Steelers instead selected offensive tackle Max Iheanachor.
On Day 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft, held in Pittsburgh, the Steelers were caught on video speaking with Makai Lemon before their pick. They told the wide receiver they planned to select him, but the Eagles traded ahead, snatching Lemon away. The incident went viral, sparking debate over the team's draft strategy under general manager Omar Khan. The Steelers had 12 picks and could have moved up but stood pat, then drafted Max Iheanachor, addressing a key need at offensive tackle. This was not the first time; they did something similar with Derrick Harmon in 2025, as noted by analyst Alex Kozora. Former NFL scout Bucky Brooks, who worked for the Carolina Panthers, dismissed concerns about the call. 'That is standard procedure,' Brooks said on his Move the Sticks podcast. 'We talk to guys well before we’re on the clock because it gives us a chance to... ease the transition.' He emphasized it happens routinely, though losing Lemon dramatically was unusual, and it did not reflect poorly on Iheanachor. Analyst John Middlekauff offered harsher criticism on his 3 and Out podcast. 'That moment... honestly feels unforgivable,' he said, accusing Khan of failing to wheel and deal and embarrassing the Steelers' brand. Middlekauff even linked it to Mike Tomlin's recent departure as head coach, calling the front office a 'sinking ship.' Despite the gaffe, defenders note Khan's successful tenure and Iheanachor's potential.
