The Pittsburgh Steelers come into the 2026 NFL Draft with over 10 picks. They are hurting at quite a few key positions, and their first-round selection will be vital in the revitalization of their roster. A key position of need would be wide receiver, as the group struggled mightily in the 2025 campaign. Pittsburgh has been projected to take a wide receiver early on in most NFL mock drafts and is a key need for the team to remain competitive. The team has been linked to quite a few of the draft's top talent with their pick at 21 or possibly a trade up, however one of the team's top targets at the position seems like he wouldn't mind being picked by Pittsburgh.
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USC's Makai Lemon makes an acrobatic catch during a home game against Notre Dame.
USC's Makai Lemon has been linked to the Steelers in the 2026 draft quite frequently. Lemon was a star for the Trojans as he racked up an astonishing 1,156 receiving yards to pair with 11 receiving touchdowns in 2025. Lemon earned Unanimous All-American honors and the Fred Biletnikoff Award as well. His skills have been compared to those of Detroit Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Lemon is an elite slot receiver, a position the Steelers desperately need. He combines sharp route running with great control when catching the ball, dropping two feet in bounds on the sideline consistently in college. He's known as a great blocker, which is an effort that Pittsburgh likes in its receivers. The Steelers will for sure have Lemon atop their receiver board at pick 21.
When speaking to the media at the 2026 NFL Combine, Lemon was asked about quarterbacks he would like to catch passes from in the NFL.
"Aaron Rodgers would be cool," Lemon said. "He's a GOAT. He's a legend."
The Steelers still await a decision from their 2025 quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. While there is speculation of a deadline on his decision, a choice sooner rather than later would benefit the team. Pittsburgh needs to find its quarterback, as they can build around him. Seemingly, receivers enjoy Rodgers as their signal caller. His addition could help the Steelers attract potential draft picks, such as the case with Lemon's comments. The Steelers badly need receivers to surround whoever plays quarterback this season. Lemon would be a very high-quality addition to the group.
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University of Southern California wide receiver Makai Lemon running past the Rutgers defense in a 2024 college football game.
The Steelers currently only have their star DK Metcalf and Michigan product Roman Wilson as experienced receivers on their roster. The team needs to bring in a receiver in the draft to pair alongside the two aforementioned players. Metcalf struggled last year compared to some of his previous seasons. A lot of this is due to a lack of alternative weapons on the Pittsburgh offense, making Metcalf a premier attraction for double coverages. Adding a weapon through the draft opens up the offense, benefits Metcalf, and results in more points. The only other receiver currently on the Steelers' roster is Ben Skowronek, who is primarily a special teamer.
Steelers Would Be The Perfect Fit For Makai Lemon
The Steelers could lose their slot receiver from last year, Calvin Austin III, through free agency. Austin was an undersized speedster who was useful on the occasional deep ball. He had a relatively productive 2025, but left a lot to be desired as a number two option, let alone just a slot guy. The Steelers' selection of Lemon would solve the issue that has been plaguing them the last couple of years, a lack of a pure slot guy. Lemon has proven to be an elite route runner in college, who is physical, has strong hands, and great body control. The draft comparisons to a star like St. Brown should have the Steelers' brass excited.
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan picks up the phone in the team's war room during the 2023 NFL Draft weekend.
The team needs a receiver who can get open on short and intermediate routes. Lemon seems like he could be that player for Pittsburgh.
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