Sports · American Football · 1 hr ago
Steelers’ draft setback may have led to a stronger offensive line
In the 2026 NFL Draft, Philadelphia took Makai Lemon just before Pittsburgh’s 20th pick after trading with Dallas.
The Steelers then chose offensive tackle Max Iheanachor, who had little football experience before joining a college team in 2021.
After an injury during training camp, Iheanachor joined the starting lineup in Week 3.
Since he took over at right tackle, Pittsburgh has averaged 29.3 points and 375 total yards per game, compared with 11.5 points and 249.5 yards in its first two games.
The Steelers also drafted receiver Bernard with the 47th pick, after missing out on Lemon.
Pittsburgh’s early draft disappointment now looks less costly, though it is still too soon to draw firm conclusions about the picks.
The Steelers’ missed chance to draft receiver Makai Lemon may have led them to select tackle Max Iheanachor, who has since started at right tackle.
Philadelphia traded with Dallas to move ahead of Pittsburgh and draft Lemon with the 20th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Pittsburgh selected Iheanachor and later traded Broderick Jones to Dallas.
Since Iheanachor took over at right tackle, the Steelers have averaged 29.3 points and 375 total yards per game.
The article says it is too early to draw a definitive conclusion about the draft setback.
- Who
- The Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys.
- What
- Philadelphia traded ahead of Pittsburgh to draft Makai Lemon. Pittsburgh selected Max Iheanachor instead, and the article says his play may have strengthened the Steelers’ offensive line.
- When
- The 2026 NFL Draft took place in April. Iheanachor entered the starting lineup in Week 3.
- Where
- The draft selection involved the Steelers, Eagles and Cowboys; the article does not state where it happened.
- Why
- Philadelphia traded up to draft Lemon. Pittsburgh then selected Iheanachor to address a need.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Philadelphia traded with Dallas to move ahead of Pittsburgh and select Makai Lemon, after which the Steelers drafted Max Iheanachor.
Iheanachor sustained an injury that temporarily slowed his development.
Iheanachor entered the lineup and helped Pittsburgh gain 411 yards and score 30 points in a win over Cincinnati.
Pittsburgh averaged 29.3 points, 375 total yards and 119 rushing yards per game, according to the article.
- Draft pick
- Max Iheanachor was selected by Pittsburgh after the Steelers missed out on Makai Lemon.
- Lemon pick
- Philadelphia selected Lemon with the 20th overall pick after trading with Dallas.
- Week 3
- Pittsburgh beat Cincinnati, gaining 411 yards and scoring 30 points.
- Offensive production
- With Iheanachor starting at right tackle, Pittsburgh averaged 29.3 points and 375 total yards per game.
- Before Iheanachor started
- Pittsburgh averaged 11.5 points and 249.5 total yards per game in its first two games.
What people are saying
Max is a talented young man. I think that's evident
His injury was a setback in training camp, but he's ready. It was time to give him that opportunity.
Sources
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