Steelers’ First-Round Snag: From Targeted WR to Tackle Surprise

Entering the 2026 NFL Draft, Pittsburgh faced two pressing needs. The offense lacked a clear No. 2 wide receiver—its last first-round WR was taken in 2006—and veteran Michael Pittman Jr. offered limited upside. Simultaneously, left-tackle Broderick Jones was recovering from a season-ending neck surgery, creating uncertainty on the offensive line. General manager Omar Khan’s staff had logged extensive contact with receivers: 15 of the top 16 WR prospects visited, 13 attended the combine, and 13 formal interviews were held, far exceeding the three tackle visits recorded.

Saunders: Steelers Failed 3 Times with One First-Round Draft Pick

• Pre-draft (weeks-long) – Steelers prioritize WR Makai Lemon (USC) and explore a trade-up to the 15th spot with Tampa Bay.

Steelers Were ‘Eyeing’ Move To 15th Pick With Buccaneers, Dulac Says

• Pick 20 (Dallas on clock) – The Philadelphia Eagles trade up from 23 with the Dallas Cowboys, targeting Lemon.

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• Pick 21 (Steelers on clock) – While Lemon is on a call with Pittsburgh, the Eagles complete the trade and select him. Steelers respond by selecting Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanachor.

HeavyNewsweekSteelers See Eagles Swoop In, Steal Wide Receiver Target During NFL DraftUSA TodaySteelers, Outplayed by Eagles at 2026 NFL Draft, Should Have Seen Makai Lemon Mess Coming

• Makai Lemon’s senior season: 79 receptions, 1,156 yards, 11 touchdowns; Biletnikoff Award winner.

Steelers Were ‘Eyeing’ Move To 15th Pick With Buccaneers, Dulac Says

• Steelers’ draft capital: 12 total picks, including a second-round No. 53 and three third-round selections (Nos. 76, 85, 99).

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• Day 2 schedule: four picks (one in round 2, three in round 3) slated after 9 p.m. ET, potentially extending past midnight.

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Khan affirmed that Broderick Jones remains on a recovery timeline, stating the team “has not received any new information since March.” Head coach Mike McCarthy highlighted the “position-flex” philosophy, noting excitement about adding Iheanachor to the offensive line and emphasizing that discussions about his role will continue after the draft.

Saunders: Steelers Failed 3 Times with One First-Round Draft Pick

Analysts and local writers questioned the front office’s execution. Alan Saunders labeled the sequence “Plan A = QB, Plan B = WR, Plan C = tackle,” calling the final choice “unexcusable” and attributing it to panic. Harry Psaros argued that Khan “had a reality check” and missed an opportunity to match the Eagles’ offer, suggesting a lack of thorough consideration at a critical moment.

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• “The Pittsburgh Steelers get on the phone with Makai Lemon, planning to select him next at 21. Except what they didn’t know is that the Eagles had actually traded up over them, were trying to get in touch with Lemon but he wasn’t answering because he was already on the phone with the Steelers.” — Ian Rapoport, NFL Network

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• “He’s still working to try to get back to where he needs to be.” — Omar Khan, Steelers GM

Saunders: Steelers Failed 3 Times with One First-Round Draft Pick

• “We had two really good days, Monday and Tuesday, the work with our men, and frankly, we looked at as much position flex throughout the individual drills that we did work with the offensive line.” — Mike McCarthy, Steelers head coach

Saunders: Steelers Failed 3 Times with One First-Round Draft Pick

• “Max Iheanachor is a promising prospect, but it seems Omar Khan had a reality check last night,” — Harry Psaros, Pittsburgh Sports Now

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Sources differ on whether the Steelers could have matched the Eagles’ trade. Gerry Dulac suggested the team had “the necessary ammunition” to move up to the 15th spot, while no official comment confirms a missed offer. Additionally, while some analysts cite a clear need at left tackle, the team has not disclosed a concrete plan for integrating Iheanachor alongside existing starters.

Steelers Were ‘Eyeing’ Move To 15th Pick With Buccaneers, Dulac Says

The selection reshapes Pittsburgh’s immediate roster strategy. Without a top-tier WR, the offense may rely heavily on Pittman Jr. and existing depth, potentially limiting passing versatility. Conversely, adding a raw but high-upside tackle addresses long-term line stability, especially if Jones’s recovery stalls. The front office’s perceived misstep may affect stakeholder confidence ahead of the 2026 season.

Saunders: Steelers Failed 3 Times with One First-Round Draft Pick

Day 2 offers four selections (pick 53 in round 2, picks 76, 85, 99 in round 3). Analysts project Washington receiver Denzel Boston and other WRs such as Zachariah Branch as viable targets, though availability remains uncertain. The Steelers’ ability to address the receiver void will likely define the narrative of their draft success.

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