The Philadelphia Eagles traded up to select USC wide receiver Makai Lemon at No. 20 overall while he was actively on the phone with the Pittsburgh Steelers, per @RapSheet.
The Steelers, who held the No. 21 pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, had already contacted Lemon to inform him he would be their selection. However, Eagles General Manager Howie Roseman executed a late trade with the Dallas Cowboys to move into the No. 20 slot, leapfrogging the Steelers just moments before they could turn in their card. Lemon reportedly had to juggle both calls simultaneously as he was officially drafted by Philadelphia.
Footage from the Eagles' draft room has since surfaced, confirming the chaotic sequence of events as the team secured the Southern California standout. Lemon later confirmed the incident to reporters, noting the surprise of being on the phone with Pittsburgh when the Eagles' call came through. The move has been described as a major draft-day heist, leaving the Steelers to pivot to their next target at the last second.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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