Eagles swipe Makai Lemon from Steelers, who were reportedly on the phone to draft USC WR
The Eagles had their in-state rivals feeling sour at the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Pittsburgh Steelers hosted their own robbery at the 2026 NFL Draft. With the event being held in Pittsburgh for the first time on Thursday, the home team entered the first round with the No. 21 pick and plenty of needs to fill after going 10-7 last year.
Then the Philadelphia Eagles traded up to No. 20 and selected their intended target, USC wide receiver Makai Lemon . We know Lemon was Pittsburgh’s target because NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported soon after that the Steelers were on the phone with Lemon telling him they were preparing to draft him when the Eagles executed their trade with the Dallas Cowboys.
The Eagles actually had trouble getting Lemon on the phone because he was busy talking to the Steelers. From the NFL Draft: A wild story, as the #Eagles trade up for Makai Lemon... while he was on the phone with the #Steelers .
pic. twitter. com/r1R6pQnFgi — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 24, 2026 The Steelers recovered by drafting Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanachor with much fanfare, including a video message from Styx and an obligate playing of the team’s “Renegade” anthem.