The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming up on the very highly anticipated 2026 NFL Draft. The event is being hosted in Pittsburgh, and the Steelers have the most selections out of any franchise in the league. All of the focus is on the 21st overall pick on Thursday night, and it is hard to tell what the organization is thinking when it comes to that. There are a few areas on the roster that could and should be addressed, starting with quarterback, the left side of the offensive line, and even the secondary. Fans would also be excited by the selection of a wide receiver, which the offense could use.
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Steelers general manager Omar Khan standing on sidelines before an NFL game.
Pittsburgh completed a trade with the Indianapolis Colts during the 2026 offseason to acquire Michael Pittman Jr., and that diminished the need at wide receiver. Before that trade, it seemed like a lock that receiver would be the selection for Pittsburgh in the first round, but that is not the case anymore.
It is still a strong possibility that receiver is the choice, and Makai Lemon is one of the exciting prospects that fans would like to see in the Black and Gold in 2026. The prospect spoke with the media on Wednesday morning, which Brian Batko posted to social media. Lemon was asked what he thinks about the city.
"I feel like I'm loving it, each time I come back." Lemon said. "A couple weeks ago, like a week ago was my first time. Being out here my second time, see the city a little bit more, it's definitely cool."
Lemon seems to be a fan of the city of Pittsburgh, although the young wide receiver played his college ball at USC and grew up in California, so it would be quite the change of scenery to start his professional career in Pennsylvania. Lemon was asked if he packed extra clothes in case he was able to stay in Pittsburgh after Thursday night because the Steelers picked him.
"Yeah, definitely." Lemon said. "I'm prepared for everything."
The likelihood is low that Lemon will be available to pick with the 21st overall pick. After Carnell Tate and Jordyn Tyson come off of the board, Lemon is expected to be the next wide receiver called, and that could come in the top 12 selections.
Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times
Former USC wide receiver Makai Lemon carries the ball and escapes a tackle attempt by Michigan defensive back Brandyn Hillman in a home game in 2025.
It is almost a certainty that Lemon will not be on the board at 21, but he is a player that the Steelers have shown a ton of interest in. Trading up for him seems like a possibility, and the organization has the draft capital to do so. Packaging a few of the franchise's third-round picks could be enough to move up into the Top 15, and that may give the Steelers a chance to grab Lemon. It would put more pressure on the receiver as the franchise would be pouring more resources into him.
He would change the offense for the Steelers as he is shifty ballcarrier that could specialize in yards after the catch out of the slot. He is the exact type of wide receiver that the roster is currently missing, and him coming to Pittsburgh should get the fan base extremely excited.
Stephanie Scarbrough / Associated Press
Former University of Washington pass-catcher Denzel Boston goes up to grab a pass out of mid-air while participating in a collegiate football game against the Maryland Terps.
Steelers Will Have Plenty Of Options At Wide Receiver
The wide receiver class is fairly deep in the 2026 NFL Draft; although, there are definitely tiers when it comes to the group. Lemon is likely to be off of the board at 21, but there will be other quality wide receivers to choose from if the Steelers don't trade up. Denzel Boston is an interesting name, as is a player like KC Concepcion. Concepcion fits the mold of a Lemon-esque player more than Boston, so that could be the direction the franchise goes.
What do you think about Lemon's comments about possibility landing in Pittsburgh? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
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