Steelers’ Omar Khan reveals lesson learned from Makai Lemon blunder

The NFL Draft was a huge success for the city of Pittsburgh where more than 800,000 fans attended the event. However, the host Steelers suffered through a notable misstep in the first round when they were preparing to make the 21st pick of the night.

#Steelers GM Omar Khan explains what happened with the #Eagles & Makai Lemonhttps://t.co/0O6ZjPGprs pic.twitter.com/se4xtCvMOi

— Alan Saunders (@ASaunders_PGH) April 25, 2026

General manager Omar Khan was on the phone with USC wide receiver Makai Lemon and he was in the process of welcoming him to the Pittsburgh organization. However, as the phone conversation was proceeding, the Steelers’ in-state rival Philadelphia Eagles threw cold water on the situation. The Eagles had acquired the 20th pick in a trade with the Dallas Cowboys, and they used that pick to select Lemon before the Steelers had a chance to call his name.

Khan met with the media Saturday and tried to answer questions about the mix-up. “When you’re at the draft, there’s a lot of excitement,” Khan said. “There was no ill intent. We have a good process. We trust our board. The draft throws curve balls at you in every round. Trust me, it happens throughout the draft. Some public, some not. Things take care of themselves.”

The Steelers quickly were forced to pivot after the Eagles made their selection. The Steelers selected huge Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanachor with the 21st pick in the draft.

It may turn out to be a positive move for the Steelers because the team had a strong need for offensive linemen. Iheanachor played three seasons at right tackle for the Sun Devils, but there is a strong belief that he could move to the left side. That’s what the Steelers need because OLT Broderick Jones has had performance and health issues (neck) in his first two years with the team.

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