The Pittsburgh Steelers were on the clock in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft when something potentially damaging nearly unfolded. Steelers General Manager Omar Khan was caught on camera speaking with top wide receiver prospect Makai Lemon, as Lemon could be heard asking Khan why Philadelphia was calling his phone. That call was from Philadelphia Eagles GM Howie Roseman, informing Lemon that Philadelphia had traded up with the Dallas Cowboys to draft him. Just like that, while Pittsburgh was hosting the draft, a video went viral showing Khan seemingly thinking the Steelers had their guy, only to be jumped at the last second.
Gene J. Puskar / ap photo
Makai Lemon holds up his Eagles jersey after getting drafted by them in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Steelers quickly pivoted, selecting offensive tackle Max Iheanachor with the 21st overall pick. Initially, the selection was criticized due to how everything unfolded. The optics may not have looked great, but this is the reality of the draft. Pittsburgh believed it had Lemon, then adjusted to another player they valued in Iheanachor. That decision was also influenced by a run on tackles in the first round, prompting the Steelers to secure their guy after missing out on Lemon.
No one truly knows yet whether the situation will ultimately be viewed as good or bad. In some ways, it may have worked in Pittsburgh’s favor. The next few seasons will determine how it all plays out, depending on the development of prospects like Lemon, Iheanachor, and Germie Bernard. Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones made it clear he did not intend to upset the Steelers or act with any ill intent. Steelers Owner Art Rooney II joined Randy Baumann on the DVE Morning Show on Tuesday to share his thoughts on Jones’ comments.
"No, no, no," Rooney said while speaking about the Dallas Cowboys and Jerry Jones on Tuesday. "No hard feelings with Jerry. I mean, those things happen in every draft where the team in front of you jumps in and picks somebody that you wanted, or somebody trades up in front of you and grabs somebody that you wanted."
Many Steelers fans were quick to complain about the situation. However, Pittsburgh didn’t necessarily need to use that pick on Lemon. The Steelers were only considering him because they felt he had fallen into their range.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Art Rooney II shakes hands with 2026 first-round pick Max Iheanachor.
Once they realized what had happened, they were more than comfortable selecting Iheanachor at that spot.
"So that's why you kind of have a short list going into every pick and you roll with the next guy on your list," Rooney said about the Steelers' choice to pivot to draft Iheanachor. "And so, we're happy we got Max [Iheanachor]."
Iheanachor is a powerful offensive tackle out of Arizona State, known for his strength and athleticism. He only began playing football a few years ago, which makes him a unique prospect with plenty of upside. Despite his relative inexperience, he didn’t allow a sack during the 2025 season for the Sun Devils.
Steelers Legend Hines Ward Vouched For Max Iheanachor
Steelers legend Hines Ward, who coaches wide receivers at ASU, also spoke very highly of Iheanachor. That connection and endorsement likely played a role in Pittsburgh feeling confident about pivoting to him with the pick.
Mark J. Rebilas / Imagn Images
Steelers great Hines Ward coaching during a home game for Arizona State University.
Ward’s presence at ASU likely played a quiet but meaningful role in Pittsburgh’s decision to draft Iheanachor. As a trusted voice within the organization, Ward had firsthand exposure to Iheanachor’s work ethic, physical tools, and rapid development. His strong endorsement would have carried weight in the Steelers’ draft room, especially given the team’s emphasis on character and coachability. When Pittsburgh needed to pivot, Ward’s insight helped reinforce confidence that Iheanachor was the right choice. Steelers fans loved everything about how Ward played and knowing that their first-round pick is close with him adds to the excitement surrounding his arrival in the Steel City.
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