Full Breakdown
Steelers Eye Aggressive Moves on Day 2 After Missing Makai Lemon
4/25/2026, 9:45:31 AM
Day 2 Outlook After a Missed Receiver
The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the second day of the 2026 NFL Draft with four selections—one in the second round (No. 53) and three in the third (Nos. 76, 85, 99). After the Philadelphia Eagles traded up to select USC wideout Makai Lemon at No. 20, the Steelers’ plan to address their top-two needs, a pass catcher and a left guard, shifted to a potential trade-up strategy in Round 2.
Background: Lemon Snub and First-Round Pivot
General manager Omar Khan and head coach Mike McCarthy had been positioned to draft Lemon with the No. 21 overall pick. The Eagles’ last-minute trade with the Dallas Cowboys forced the Steelers to select Arizona State right tackle Max Iheanachor instead. Iheanachor, a project player with limited football experience, was described by analysts as a “reach” given the team’s immediate receiver shortage.
Picks and Trade Capital
Pittsburgh’s draft capital includes three third-round picks—its own, a compensatory selection, and one acquired from the Dallas Cowboys in the George Pickens trade. The team also holds its trio of third-round picks (Nos. 76, 85, 99) and could sacrifice one or two of its second-round slots (Nos. 76, 85, 99) to move up. Prospects highlighted as logical trade-up targets are Washington’s Denzel Boston, Alabama’s Germie Bernard, and Louisville’s Chris Bell, all of whom visited the Steelers before the draft.
Official Statements & Responses
NFL Network analyst Tom Pelissero noted that the Steelers “could move up” in Round 2 to acquire a receiver, emphasizing that the organization “will not rule that out.” Steelers officials have not publicly confirmed a specific trade target but have indicated that the receiver position remains a priority.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts such as Bryan DeArdo called the selection of Iheanachor “a puzzling selection given the Steelers’ predicament at offensive tackle,” highlighting the player’s limited experience. Critics, including columnist Alan Saunders, argued that the team’s “Plan B” to draft a wide receiver failed when the Eagles sniped Lemon, suggesting a lack of thorough contingency planning.
Why It Matters
Securing a reliable receiver is essential for the Steelers to support quarterback development and to complement the newly drafted tackle. The left-guard vacancy also persists, and any trade-up that consumes additional picks could affect depth at other positions.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the availability of Denzel Boston; one analysis deems him unlikely to last until the Steelers’ No. 53 pick, while another lists him as a prime trade-up candidate. Additionally, timing estimates for the Steelers’ second-round selection range from 9:20 p.m. to 9:40 p.m. ET, reflecting uncertainty about other teams’ clock usage.
What’s Next
If the Steelers elect to trade up, they may package one or two of their second-round picks (Nos. 76, 85, 99) for a higher slot. Should they remain on the board, the most likely selections are wideout Chris Brazzell II (Tennessee) at No. 53 or a defensive back such as Treydan Stukes (Arizona) in the early third round.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Keep an eye on what they do in Round 2. They potentially move up? Do they go get a different receiver now to be able to fill both those needs? I would certainly not rule that out.” — Tom Pelissero, NFL Network analyst
- “Iheanachor has loads of potential, but his lack of experience makes this a puzzling selection given the Steelers’ predicament at offensive tackle.” — Bryan DeArdo, CBS Sports
- “Plan B was to draft a wide receiver — a sensible pivot — and when Makai Lemon looked to be falling they planned to draft him.” — Alan Saunders, Steelers writer
- “Washington wideout Denzel Boston (#37 player on my big board) is someone that the organization spent a lot of time with.” — Analyst, Steelers draft watchlist
The Steelers’ Day 2 decisions will reveal whether they can convert draft capital into immediate positional upgrades after the Lemon setback.
