Eagles Snatch Steelers' Top Draft Target in Dramatic First Round
The NFL Draft in Pittsburgh turned into a bittersweet moment for the Pittsburgh Steelers as they faced an unexpected twist during their first-round selection. With the crowd buzzing, franchise legend Jerome Bettis announced the Steelers' pick at No. 21: Max Iheanachor, an offensive tackle from Arizona State. However, the excitement was overshadowed by the revelation that Iheanachor was not the Steelers' first choice. As the Steelers prepared to select, they were in talks with Makai Lemon, the standout wide receiver from USC, who had just won the Biletnikoff Award. Unfortunately for Pittsburgh, the Philadelphia Eagles executed a strategic trade with the Dallas Cowboys to leapfrog them at No. 20 and secure Lemon, leaving the Steelers scrambling. Key points from the draft: Max Iheanachor was ranked as CBS Sports' No. 31 overall prospect. Mike Renner, CBS Sports' NFL Draft analyst, graded the pick a B+, noting Iheanachor's raw potential but emphasizing it wasn’t a win-now move. Lemon had an impressive season with 1,156 yards receiving and 11 touchdowns, showcasing his explosive playmaking ability. The Steelers' fans expressed disappointment with the choice of Iheanachor over the more dynamic Lemon, who had tied the Big Ten single-season record for receiving yards in four games. While Iheanachor represents a long-term project for the Steelers, the immediate reaction highlighted the frustration of missing out on a player who could have electrified their offense.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-04-24