One of the wilder stories from the first round of the 2026 NFL draft came at pick 20 when the Philadelphia Eagles traded up with the Dallas Cowboys to take USC wide receiver Makai Lemon.
With the Cowboys slotted in that pick right ahead of the Pittsburgh Steelers, the latter called Lemon in anticipation of selecting him.
Everyone suspected Dallas was targeting a defensive player, so with just one pick before the Steelers were on the clock, they called Lemon to let him know they were taking him.
The only problem was Pittsburgh wasn’t on the clock — Philadelphia was. And by being on the phone with Lemon while the Eagles were trying to get ahold of him, the Steelers were actually violating NFL rules.
Steelers Could Be Facing NFL Punishment
GettyThe Pittsburgh Steelers just missed out on drafting USC WR Makai Lemon.
Former Eagles executive Jake Rosenberg tweeted after the Steelers/Lemon debacle that Pittsburgh had opened itself up to potential discipline from the NFL for breaking draft rules.
“Clubs that are not ‘on the clock’ may have discussions with the representative of one or more draft-eligible players not yet selected (or discussion with the players themselves) regarding the player’s interest in playing in the League, playing with a particular club or type of club, the player’s health, or other such non-financial matters, so long as these discussions do not interfere with discussions between a player and the club that is ‘on the clock,’” Rosenberg stated.
Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio confirmed this is the case: “A source currently working for a team not involved in the situation tells PFT that this is indeed the rule.”
The NFL will look into the matter. A league executive told Florio: “The league reviews all aspects of the draft the week after its conclusion.”
However, Pittsburgh could easily claim it didn’t know Philadelphia had acquired the pick, and therefore it wasn’t intentionally trying to block the team from contacting Lemon.
If the Steelers are disciplined for the matter, it will likely be a six-figure fine — if anything. Forfeiture of a future draft pick seems like too harsh of a punishment in this situation.
How Did the Steelers Mix Up Happen?
Video from draft night surfaced online showing the moment Lemon got the call from the Eagles while on the phone with the Steelers, and it showed nothing but chaos.
“Makai, hey, it’s Omar (Khan) with the Steelers, how are you?” Khan asked as those around Lemon began celebrating.
As things settle down seconds later, Lemon got another call.
“Why is Philly calling me?” a confused Lemon stated.
Even Lemon himself was unaware that the Eagles had traded into the Cowboys spot at pick 20 to go and get him.
“Philly just traded for you!” Lemon’s agent shouted. “This is Philly, they just traded for you. Philly is picking you right now!”
Despite the confusion, Lemon made it known in the moments after he was drafted that he’s thrilled to be exactly where he is.
“I ain’t going to lie, I’m just so blessed right now,” Lemon said. “I just praise the Lord for every moment, really. This is a dream come true — I can’t even believe this right now. [Eagles fans are] getting a dawg that’s ready to work, for real. I ain’t doing no playing.”
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