Steelers' Omar Khan Now Facing Growing Pressure After Embarrassing Moment Goes Viral

Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Omar Khan is facing major criticism after what many are calling one of the most embarrassing moments of the 2026 NFL Draft. Of course, all of that can quickly be forgotten if most of Khan's 10 rookies end up panning out. With Pittsburgh hosting the draft for the first time in franchise history, excitement around the city was at an all-time high as fans eagerly waited to see what the Steelers would do with the No. 21 overall pick. Reports suggest Pittsburgh had its sights set on USC wide receiver Makai Lemon, with the organization appearing confident it would land one of the most exciting playmakers in the class.

That plan quickly unraveled in dramatic fashion. While the Steelers were preparing to make their selection, Philadelphia Eagles General Manager Howie Roseman was working the phones and finalized a trade with the Dallas Cowboys to move ahead of Pittsburgh. Philadelphia then selected Lemon while Khan was on the phone telling him Pittsburgh was picking him, effectively stealing the Steelers’ top target while Pittsburgh was left scrambling on the clock in front of its home crowd. Instead, the Steelers pivoted and selected Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanachor, a move that immediately sparked frustration and second-guessing from fans.

The fallout has only intensified in the days after the draft. Steelers insider Mike DeFabo discussed the situation during an appearance on Colin Cowherd’s show, calling attention to how damaging the moment was for Khan’s public perception. For a general manager still working to establish himself as more than just a salary cap expert, losing a priority target in such a public and painful way has fueled debate about whether the Steelers mishandled one of the most important moments of their offseason.

"That was a really tough look for Omar Khan, the general manager," DeFabo said while speaking to Cowherd. "I mean, the draft was in Pittsburgh. The Steelers were in prime position to make a splash... Omar Khan is not your typical kind of general manager. He did not earn his job because he's a boots-on-the-ground scout who does these detailed player evaluations. No, he came up through the salary cap route and got his job because he was supposed to be a wheeler and dealer who was aware of league happenings... he really gets caught embarrassed on the phone with Makai Lemon."

Optically speaking, sure, the moment didn’t look great for Khan, especially amid recent rumblings that he’s trying to prove he’s more than just a numbers guy. 

However, situations like this happen every year during the NFL Draft, and in this case, one of those unfortunate moments just happened to play out in front of the entire world. The bigger concern, though, is that DeFabo suggested it’s fair to begin questioning the direction of this franchise following how everything unfolded.

"It's an awful look from the Steelers and their front office," DeFabo said. "I think it's reasonable for people to look at that type of thing and question the direction of the Pittsburgh Steelers and who is heading their front office."

Steelers Fans Will Debate The 2026 First Round Blunder For Decades To Come

In a few years, many pundits will look back at the Steelers’ first-round decision and debate whether Khan should have been more aggressive in landing Lemon, or if Iheanachor ultimately proves to be the better long-term choice. 

If Iheanachor develops into a star, the criticism surrounding Khan will quickly fade. But if Lemon breaks out in Philadelphia while Iheanachor struggles to meet expectations, this moment could be remembered as one of the defining what-ifs of Khan’s tenure in Pittsburgh. Either way, it’s a draft-night storyline that will likely be debated by Steelers fans for years to come.

Please feel free to share your Steelers takes and thoughts with me on X (@anthonyghalkias) and consider following for more Steelers-related content and discussion. I read and respond. 

#SteelerNation