Steelers' Draft Plan Foiled, Land Max Instead

0:00On April 28, Pittsburgh Steelers had their eyes locked on USC-wide receiver McCuy Lemon in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft last Thursday. They figured he'd slide right to them, but the Philadelphia Eagles jumped ahead by trading for the Dallas Cowboys number 20 overall pick and snagged him first. Word spread quick that the Steelers were fuming over the Cowboys, helping their rivals like that. A report from the Fort Worth star telegram called it straight up infuriating for Pittsburgh brass. Mike Florio, on Pro Football Talk, pushed back hard, saying trades like this happen every draft. You gotta expect teams leapfrogging if you don't move. First, he pointed to the Cowboys themselves trading up one spot earlier to grab Caleb Downs before Miami could. Steelers, exec Rooney, kept it cool in his response, emitting its things when your target goes one spot ahead. But they always have a short list ready. They ended up thrilled with Max, a top offensive lineman who fit their pre-draft plans perfectly.

1:02In the end, drafts stay unpredictable, but Pittsburgh landed a key piece up front and they're rolling with his strong.