The Pittsburgh Steelers had a productive 2026 draft by adding 10 players but faced criticism due to a blunder on Day 1. They prematurely contacted wide receiver Makai Lemon, only to watch the Philadelphia Eagles draft him first. This misstep led to harsh criticism from former NFL scout John Middlekauff, who labeled it "unforgivable" for general manager Omar Khan. Despite the backlash, there’s potential for optimism, as the Steelers might still benefit from their actual first-round pick, Max Iheanachor, over Lemon in the long run.

By the Numbers
  • The Steelers had 12 total draft picks in 2026.
  • They ended up drafting Max Iheanachor as their first-round pick instead of Makai Lemon.
Yes, But

Critics like Middlekauff have been quick to judge Khan's overall impact based on this single mishap, overlooking his previous successful moves that have strengthened the team’s roster.

State of Play
  • The Steelers are aiming to rebuild their roster with a mix of new talent following a successful draft.
  • There’s ongoing speculation regarding the long-term effects of the draft blunder on both Khan's and the Steelers’ reputation.
What's Next

The Steelers will focus on developing the new draft class while addressing the fallout from the blunder. Khan's strategy will be under scrutiny as the players transition into their roles.

Bottom Line

Omar Khan’s draft misstep has drawn criticism, but it's premature to judge his overall effectiveness as general manager; the long-term success of draft picks like Iheanachor will ultimately shape his legacy.