The Pittsburgh Steelers faced scrutiny during the 2026 NFL Draft when they missed out on wide receiver Makai Lemon, who was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles right before their pick. In response, they quickly chose Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanachor at No. 21, who is seen as a project with significant upside. ESPN analyst Peter Schrager emphasized that the Steelers were highly focused on Iheanachor, with former coach Bill Cowher and others raving about him during the draft process. Despite the initial frustration of missing Lemon, the organization is optimistic about Iheanachor's future development. The lingering question remains: did the Steelers make the right choice in sacrificing Lemon for Iheanachor?

By the Numbers
  • The Steelers selected Max Iheanachor with the 21st pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
  • Makai Lemon was chosen by the Eagles just one pick earlier at No. 20.
State of Play
  • The Steelers are dealing with mixed reactions following their draft choice.
  • There is strong internal support for Iheanachor, seen as filling a critical need on the offensive line.
What's Next

All eyes will be on Iheanachor’s development as he transitions into the NFL. If he meets expectations, the Steelers' decision to prioritize him over Lemon could eventually be viewed positively. However, continual comparisons between both players will persist, influencing fan and analyst sentiment.

Bottom Line

The Steelers' ability to move past missing out on Makai Lemon depends on the successful development of Max Iheanachor. If he becomes a cornerstone left tackle, the perceived blunder may fade, but immediate concerns regarding their draft strategy will linger until results are seen on the field.