Steelers To Re-Sign DT Dean Lowry
The Steelers are re-signing veteran defensive tackle Dean Lowry, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Lowry, 31, spent the last two years in Pittsburgh, but did not play in 2025 due to a torn ACL suffered in training camp. That was one of several injuries to the Steelers’ defensive line last year; Derrick Harmon, Isaiahh Loudermilk, and Daniel Ekuale all missed multiple games as well.
Originally a Packers fourth-round pick in 2016, Lowry emerged as a starter in his second NFL season. After his third, he received a three-year, $20.3MM contract extension that carried him through the rest of his time in Green Bay. He hit free agency in 2023 and signed a two-year, $8.5MM deal with the Vikings. He went down with a pectoral injury after just nine games and spent the rest of the season on injured reserve.
Lowry then signed a two-year, $5MM contract with the Steelers, but could not carve out more than a rotational role in their defense. He appeared in 12 games in 2024 with a 21% snap share with just five total tackles (none for loss) and one sack.
The Steelers bolstered their defensive line this offseason by signing Sebastian Joseph-Day to a two-year, $11MM deal while allowing Loudermilk and Ekuale to hit free agency. Retaining Lowry ensures some more veteran continuity – and indicates his recovery process has gone smoothly. Eight months removed his injury, he has a chance to participate in spring practices and should be ready for training camp.
2026 NFL Draft Results: Team By Team
Here is every team’s haul from the 2026 NFL Draft:
Arizona Cardinals
- Round 1, No. 3: Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame)
- Round 2, No. 34: Chase Bisontis (G, Texas A&M)
- Round 3, No. 65: Carson Beck (QB, Miami)
- Round 4, No. 104: Kaleb Proctor (DT, Southeastern Louisiana)
- Round 5, No. 143: Reggie Virgil (WR, Texas Tech)
- Round 6, No. 183: Karson Sharar (LB, Iowa)
- Round 7, No. 217: Jayden Williams (T, Ole Miss)
Atlanta Falcons
- Round 2, No. 48: Avieon Terrell (CB, Clemson)
- Round 3, No. 79: Zachariah Branch (WR, Georgia)
- Round 4, No. 134 (from Raiders)*: Kendal Daniels (LB, Oklahoma)
- Round 6, No. 208 (from Bills via Jets and Raiders): Anterio Thompson (DT, Washington)
- Round 6, No. 215) (from Eagles)*: Harold Perkins (LB, LSU)
- Round 7, No. 231: Ethan Onianwa (T, Ohio State)
Baltimore Ravens
- Round 1, No. 14: Vega Ioane (G, Penn State)
- Round 2, No. 45: Zion Young (EDGE, Missouri)
- Round 3, No. 80: Ja’Kobi Lane (WR, USC)
- Round 4, No. 115: Elijah Sarratt (WR, Indiana)
- Round 4, No. 133 (from 49ers)*: Matthew Hibner (TE, SMU)
- Round 5, No. 162 (from Chargers): Chandler Rivers (CB, Duke)
- Round 5, No. 173*: Josh Cuevas (TE, Alabama)
- Round 5, No. 174*: Adam Randall (RB, Clemson)
- Round 6, No. 211 (from Broncos via Jets, Vikings and Eagles): Ryan Eckley (P, Michigan State)
- Round 7, No. 250: Rayshaun Benny (DT, Michigan)
- Round 7, No. 253: Evan Beerntsen (G, Northwestern)
Buffalo Bills
- Round 2, No. 35 (from Titans): T.J. Parker (EDGE, Clemson)
- Round 2, No. 62: Davison Igbinosun (CB, Ohio State)
- Round 4, No. 102 (from Raiders): Jude Bowry (T, Boston College)
- Round 4, No. 125 (from Bears via Chiefs and Patriots): Skylar Bell (WR, UConn)
- Round 4, No. 126: Kaleb Elarms-Orr (LB, TCU)
- Round 5, No. 167 (from Texans): Jalon Kilgore (S, South Carolina)
- Round 5, No. 181 (from Lions)*: Zane Durant (DT, Penn State)
- Round 7, No. 220 (from Jets): Toriano Pride Jr. (CB, Missouri)
- Round 7, No. 239 (from Eagles via Jaguars, Browns and Bears): Tommy Doman (P, Florida)
- Round 7, No. 241 (from Bears): Ar’maj Reed-Adams (G, Texas A&M)
Carolina Panthers
- Round 1, No. 19: Monroe Freeling (T, Georgia)
- Round 2, No. 49 (from Vikings): Lee Hunter (DT, Texas Tech)
- Round 3, No. 83: Chris Brazzell II (WR, Tennessee)
- Round 4, No. 129 (from Bears): Will Lee III (CB, Texas A&M)
- Round 5, No. 144 (from Titans via Panthers): Sam Hecht (C, Kansas State)
- Round 5, No. 151 (from Dolphins): Zakee Wheatley (S, Penn State)
Chicago Bears
- Round 1, No. 25: Dillon Thieneman (S, Oregon)
- Round 2, No. 57: Logan Jones (C, Iowa)
- Round 3, No. 69 (from Giants via Texans, Bills and Titans): Sam Roush (TE, Stanford)
- Round 3, No. 89: Zavion Thomas (WR, LSU)
- Round 4, No. 124 (from Jaguars via Panthers): Malik Muhammad (CB, Texas)
- Round 5, No. 166 (from 49ers via Eagles and Panthers): Keyshaun Elliott (LB, Arizona State)
- Round 6, No. 213 (from Seahawks via Jaguars, Lions and Bills): Jordan Van Den Berg (DT, Georgia Tech)
Cincinnati Bengals
- Round 2, No. 41: Cashius Howell (DE, Texas A&M)
- Round 3, No. 72: Tacario Davis (CB, Washington)
- Round 4, No. 128 (from Texans via Lions and Bengals): Connor Lew (C, Auburn)
- Round 4, No. 140 (from Bengals): Colbie Young (WR, Georgia)
- Round 6, No. 189: Brian Parker II (C, Duke)
- Round 7, No. 221 (from Giants via Cowboys): Jack Endries (TE, Texas)
- Round 7, No. 226: Landon Robinson (DT, Navy)
Cleveland Browns
- Round 1, No. 9 (from Chiefs): Spencer Fano (T, Utah)
- Round 1, No. 24 (from Jaguars): KC Concepcion (WR, Texas A&M)
- Round 2, No. 39: Denzel Boston (WR, Washington)
- Round 2, No. 58 (from 49ers): Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (S, Toledo)
- Round 3, No. 86 (from Chargers): Austin Barber (T, Florida)
- Round 5, No. 146: Parker Brailsford (C, Alabama)
- Round 5, No. 149 (from Bengals): Justin Jefferson (LB, Alabama)
- Round 5, No. 170 (from Broncos): Joe Royer (TE, Cincinnati)
- Round 6, No. 182 (from Jets via Browns, Jaguars, Raiders, Bills and Broncos): Taylen Green (QB, Arkansas)
- Round 7, No. 248 (from Seahawks): Carsen Ryan (TE, BYU)
Dallas Cowboys
- Round 1, No. 11 (from Dolphins): Caleb Downs (S, Ohio State)
- Round 1, No. 23 (from Eagles): Malachi Lawrence (EDGE, Central Florida)
- Round 3, No. 92 (from 49ers): Jaishawn Barham (EDGE, Michigan)
- Round 4, No. 112: Drew Shelton (T, Penn State)
- Round 4, No. 114 (from Falcons via Eagles): Devin Moore (CB, Florida)
- Round 5, No. 137 (from Eagles)*: LT Overton (EDGE, Alabama)
- Round 7, No. 218 (from Titans): Anthony Smith (WR, East Carolina)
2026 NFL Draft Results By Round
From the No. 1 overall pick to Mr. Irrelevant (No. 257), here are the results from the 2026 NFL Draft:
Round 1
1) Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza (QB, Indiana)
2) New York Jets: David Bailey (EDGE, Texas Tech)
3) Arizona Cardinals: Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame)
4) Tennessee Titans: Carnell Tate (WR, Ohio State)
5) New York Giants: Arvell Reese (LB/EDGE, Ohio State)
6) Kansas City Chiefs (from Browns): Mansoor Delane (CB, LSU)
7) Washington Commanders: Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State)
8) New Orleans Saints: Jordyn Tyson (WR, Arizona State)
9) Cleveland Browns (from Chiefs): Spencer Fano (T, Utah)
10) New York Giants (from Bengals): Francis Mauigoa (T, Miami)
11) Dallas Cowboys (from Dolphins): Caleb Downs, (S, Ohio State)
12) Miami Dolphins (from Cowboys): Kadyn Proctor (T, Alabama)
13) Los Angeles Rams (from Falcons): Ty Simpson (QB, Alabama)
14) Baltimore Ravens: Vega Ioane (G, Penn State)
15) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Rueben Bain Jr. (EDGE, Miami)
16) New York Jets (from Colts): Kenyon Sadiq (TE, Oregon)
17) Detroit Lions: Blake Miller (T, Clemson)
18) Minnesota Vikings: Caleb Banks (DT, Florida)
19) Carolina Panthers: Monroe Freeling (T, Georgia)
20) Philadelphia Eagles (from Packers via Cowboys): Makai Lemon (WR, USC)
21) Pittsburgh Steelers: Max Iheanachor (T, Arizona State)
22) Los Angeles Chargers: Akheem Mesidor (EDGE, Miami)
23) Dallas Cowboys (from Eagles): Malachi Lawrence (EDGE, Central Florida)
24) Cleveland Browns (from Jaguars): KC Concepcion (WR, Texas A&M)
25) Chicago Bears: Dillon Thieneman (S, Oregon)
26) Houston Texans (from Bills): Keylan Rutledge (G, Georgia Tech)
27) Miami Dolphins (from 49ers): Chris Johnson (CB, San Diego State)
28) New England Patriots (from Texans via Bills): Caleb Lomu (T, Utah)
29) Kansas City Chiefs (from Rams): Peter Woods (DT, Clemson)
30) New York Jets (from Broncos via Dolphins and 49ers): Omar Cooper Jr. (WR, Indiana)
31) Tennessee Titans (from Patriots via Bills): Keldric Faulk (DE, Auburn)
32) Seattle Seahawks: Jadarian Price (RB, Notre Dame)
Round 2
33) San Francisco 49ers (from Jets): De’Zhaun Stribling (WR, Ole Miss)
34) Arizona Cardinals: Chase Bisontis (G, Texas A&M)
35) Buffalo Bills (from Titans): T.J. Parker (EDGE, Clemson)
36) Houston Texans (from Raiders): Kayden McDonald (DT, Ohio State)
37) New York Giants: Colton Hood (CB, Tennessee)
38) Las Vegas Raiders (from Commanders via Texans): Treydan Stukes (S, Arizona)
39) Cleveland Browns: Denzel Boston (WR, Washington)
40) Kansas City Chiefs: R Mason Thomas (EDGE, Oklahoma)
41) Cincinnati Bengals: Cashius Howell (EDGE, Texas A&M)
42) New Orleans Saints: Christen Miller (DT, Georgia)
43) Miami Dolphins: Jacob Rodriguez (LB, Texas Tech)
44) Detroit Lions (from Cowboys via Jets): Derrick Moore (EDGE, Michigan)
45) Baltimore Ravens: Zion Young (EDGE, Missouri)
46) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Josiah Trotter (LB, Missouri)
47) Pittsburgh Steelers (from Colts): Germie Bernard (WR, Alabama)
48) Atlanta Falcons: Avieon Terrell (CB, Clemson)
49) Carolina Panthers (from Vikings): Lee Hunter (DT, Texas Tech)
50) New York Jets (from Lions): D’Angelo Ponds (CB, Indiana)
51) Minnesota Vikings (from Panthers): Jake Golday (LB, Cincinnati)
52) Green Bay Packers: Brandon Cisse (CB, South Carolina)
53) Indianapolis Colts (from Steelers): C.J. Allen (LB, Georgia)
54) Philadelphia Eagles: Eli Stowers (TE, Vanderbilt)
55) New England Patriots (from Chargers): Gabe Jacas (EDGE, Illinois)
56) Jacksonville Jaguars: Nate Boerkircher (TE, Texas A&M)
57) Chicago Bears: Logan Jones (C, Iowa)
58) Cleveland Browns (from 49ers): Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (S, Toledo)
59) Houston Texans: Marlin Klein (TE, Michigan)
60) Tennessee Titans (from Bills via Bears): Anthony Hill Jr. (LB, Texas)
61) Los Angeles Rams: Max Klare (TE, Ohio State)
62) Buffalo Bills (from Broncos): Davison Igbinosun (CB, Ohio State)
63) Los Angeles Chargers (from Patriots): Jake Slaughter, C (Florida)
64) Seattle Seahawks: Bud Clark (S, TCU)
Chiefs Trade Up To No. 161 For Nebraska RB Emmett Johnson
The Chiefs have acquired the No. 161 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft from the Steelers, per NFL insider Jordan Schultz, and used it to select Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson. They also received the 249th pick. The Steelers landed the 169th and 210th choices, per Nick Sloan of KMBC-TV.
After redshirting as a freshman in 2022, Johnson was stuck in a timeshare over the next two seasons. The 5-foot-11, 205-pounder rushed for a solid 1,009 yards on 207 carries over that 25-game span. Johnson took over as Nebraska’s bell cow last season, and his production went through the roof. He amassed 1,451 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on 251 attempts (5.8 YPC) in a dozen games. As a pass catcher, he picked up 46 receptions for 370 yards and three more scores.
An All-American and the Big Ten Running Back of the Year, Johnson was the lone FBS player to average at least 150 yards from scrimmage per game in 2025 (via Dane Brugler of The Athletic). Brugler ranked Johnson as the 105th-best prospect in this class. Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com placed him 123rd.
While Johnson was great as a lead back last year, he does not possess high-end speed. He ran a 4.56-second 40-yard dash at the Combine and a 4.49 at his pro day. That may explain why he tumbled down the board in a weak class for running backs.
Regardless, Johnson will open his career as a reserve in Kansas City’s backfield. The Chiefs made a big free agent investment in former Seahawk Kenneth Walker, whom they added on a three-year, $43.05MM deal. Walker is the unquestioned starter, which will leave Johnson to compete for touches with 2025 seventh-rounder Brashard Smith and ex-Cardinal Emari Demercado.
Nikhil Mehta contributed to this post.
Steelers Draft QB Drew Allar At No. 76
The Steelers have not heard if Aaron Rodgers will play a 22nd season, and while they expect to hear from their 2025 starter that he will return soon, another quarterback is heading to Pittsburgh. Penn State quarterback Drew Allar, who visited with the team this month, is going to the Steelers at No. 76 overall as the fourth QB off the board.
Allar is a clear development pick; he didn’t even start playing quarterback until high school. At 6-foot-5, 230 pounds, Allar boasts a prototypical frame reminiscent of the late 2000’s and 2010’s battles between Ben Roethlisberger and Joe Flacco. He has a decent arm and above average mobility for a passer his size, rushing for 732 yards and 12 touchdowns at Penn State. The Nittany Lions went 26-9 with Allar as the starter under center.
After coming off the bench as a true freshman, Allar’s first year as a starter drew interesting results. The highlights saw elite discipline as he threw for 25 touchdowns and only two interceptions, but those results came with a 59.9% completion rate and only 202.4 passing yards per game.
He improved greatly in his second year as the starter, increasing his completion percentage to 66.5, but in three more games, he threw one fewer touchdown and eight interceptions while averaging just 207.9 yards per game. His final year in Happy Valley got off to a rough start. When a broken ankle ended his season, the Nittany Lions were 3-3 and Allar was averaging just 183.3 yards per game.
The production never quite matched the potential or the physical tools for Allar. He showed an ability to make anticipatory throws and read a defense with efficiency. His low interception rate was a benefit but really came as a result of a conservative passing approach, leading too often to second-guessing and active scrambling. The lack of accuracy stemmed from a lack of consistency on drop backs, messy footwork, and a lack of touch to layer throws. A perceived lack of chemistry with his receiving weapons was considered a factory for Allar’s inability to produce big plays.
If there’s anybody who can develop the production out of a quarterback that has oozed potential for four years, its new Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy. Ideally, Rodgers does return to start as expected, allowing Allar to sit and develop while learning from McCarthy and a four-time MVP. If Rodgers doesn’t end up back in Pittsburgh, Allar should have an opportunity to compete for a role in the hierarchy with fellow Steelers’ draft picks Mason Rudolph and Will Howard.
Steelers Trade Up Three Spots, Draft G Gennings Dunker
The Steelers are moving up three slots in the 2026 NFL Draft, sending the 99th and 216th picks to the Seahawks to select Iowa offensive guard Gennings Dunker at No. 96 overall. A three-year starter at right tackle for the Hawkeyes, it seems Pittsburgh has interest in Dunker on the interior offensive line.
At a school like Iowa that produces offensive linemen left and right, holding a starting job for three years is nothing to scoff at. After redshirting the 2021 season, Dunker debuted as a redshirt freshman coming off the bench for a few games at left and right guard before earning his first career start in the Hawkeyes’ bowl game. In 2023, Dunker was named the team’s starting right tackle, and he didn’t relinquish the role until he ran out of eligibility.
Most of the knocks on Dunker as a pro prospect focused on his abilities as an offensive tackle, but some of his best traits set him up well for a future as an NFL guard. Impressive upper-body strength will work well in a phone booth on the interior, and his strengths as a people mover in the run game will be well-suited on the inside, as well. Injuries hounded him at times throughout his time in Iowa City, but ultimately, he only missed two games (not counting his redshirt season).
The Steelers are confidently returning three starters on their offensive line from last year. Left tackle Broderick Jones has not inspired confidence in his abilities or durability over three years of play, and Pittsburgh selected Max Iheanachor on Day 1 to address that potential concern. The team also saw left guard Isaac Seumalo depart for Arizona in free agency, so Dunker will have a clear opportunity to compete for the open starting job there.
Colts Send Steelers No. 47; WR Germie Bernard Heading To Pittsburgh
The draft’s hosts pleased the crowd by trading up a few spots. The Colts sent No. 47 overall to the Steelers. Pittsburgh is taking Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard.
Pittsburgh will send Indianapolis Nos. 53, 135 and 237 for Nos. 47 and 249, NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo tweets. The Bernard pick comes a night after the team nearly chose USC’s Makai Lemon 21st overall. The Eagles made a last-second trade to move up from 23rd overall to 20th, where they swiped Lemon from the Steelers.
This is the second noteworthy trade of the offseason between Indianapolis and Pittsburgh. On March 9, the first day of the league year, the Colts shipped receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to the Steelers for a late-round pick swap.
Pittman immediately became one of the Steelers’ top two wideouts, joining D.K. Metcalf, but the team went into the draft with little else at the position. That explains the interest in Lemon and the selection of Bernard, who is considered a pro-ready pass catcher. Dane Brugler of The Athletic (41st) and Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com (49th) ranked Bernard a top-50 prospect entering the draft, making it no surprise he came off the board at No. 47.
The 6-foot-1, 203-pound Bernard started his college career in 2022 at Michigan State, where he was low on a depth chart that also included Keon Coleman and Jayden Reed. After catching just seven passes in 12 games with the Spartans, Bernard transferred to Washington. Although he was again stuck behind a few familiar receivers (Rome Odunze, Ja’Lynn Polk and Jalen McMillan), Bernard racked up 34 catches and 419 yards in 14 games with the Huskies.
Washington proved to be a second straight one-year stay for Bernard, who followed head coach Kalen DeBoer to Alabama in 2024. His production wound up taking off in Tuscaloosa. Bernard hauled in 50 receptions, 794 yards and two scores in 13 games his first year with the Crimson Tide. He then recorded career bests in catches (64), yards (862) and TDs (seven) over 14 games in 2025.
If Bernard’s success transfers from Alabama to Pittsburgh, he could quickly emerge as a reliable target for the Steelers’ quarterback, be it Aaron Rodgers or someone else. In doing so, he would provide a solid capable complement to the 6-foot-4 Pittman-Metcalf duo.
Multiple Teams Looking To Move Up In 2nd Round
Day 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft was packed with trades. Teams were constantly shuffling the order as they attempted to secure coveted prospects and/or extra draft capital.
The picks are expected to continue flying around on Day 2 with clubs jockeying for top talents who fell out of the first round. Several are looking to move up to the top of the second round, including the Dolphins, Saints, Browns, Steelers, and Jaguars, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. He mentions four players are potential trade-up targets: Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, Tennesse cornerbacks Colton Hood and Jermod McCoy, and Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston.
The Dolphins drafted two nose tackles in Kenneth Grant and Jordan Phillips last year, so trading up for a third in McDonald would make little sense. Their cornerback room was a major liability last year and only saw marginal upgrades in free agency, so either Hood or McCoy could be targets. And of course, trading Jaylen Waddle created a major need at wide receiver in Miami. Boston could fill it.
Saints defensive tackles Nathan Shepherd and Davon Godchaux are both into their 30s and entering the final year of their contract, so the team could certainly target McDonald. They could stand to upgrade at cornerback behind 2024 second-rounder Kool-Aid McKinstry, but trading up to select another wide receiver after taking Jordyn Tyson at No. 8 overall seems unwise.
The Browns are known to have interest in wide receivers in this draft class, though Boston’s skillset may not be ideal for Todd Monken’s new offense. Cleveland could strengthen the interior of their defensive line, especially with a massive run-stuffer like McDonald. They have more talent at cornerback, but could stand to add a high-upside talent to the room.
The Steelers are likely looking to move up for a wide receiver after getting sniped for Makai Lemon by the Eagles in Round 1. They could move up as high as the 33rd overall pick, the first on Day 2, which is currently owned by the 49ers via trades with the Dolphins and Jets. San Francisco has received multiple calls about their selection and is open to moving it, per Pelissero.
Jacksonville would seem to be set at wide receiver with Jakobi Meyers, Brian Thomas, and Parker Washington. Travis Hunter is going to spend more time at cornerback in 2026, but he will still be available for some offensive packages. The Jaguars traded for defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro, this offseason, but they could still add depth, especially with DaVon Hamilton entering the final year of his contract. Similar to the Browns, they have a decent cornerback room right now but could stand to add more long-term upside.
The Jaguars also explored trading into the first round, per Ryan O’Halloran of The Florida Times-Union, though no deal materialized. General manager James Gladstone was aggressive in pursuing Hunter during last year’s draft, and his time under Rams GM Les Snead further indicates his willingness to chase his favorite prospects.
Eagles Obtain No. 20 From Cowboys, Draft WR Makai Lemon
An intra-divisional trade is upon us. The Cowboys have dealt No. 20 to the Eagles. In exchange, Dallas will collect Nos. 23, 114 and 137 from Philadelphia, which is adding a seventh-rounder in this trade (per NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo).
Dallas’ pick going to Philly is in the 2027 draft. The Eagles chose USC wide receiver Makai Lemon 20th overall. Lemon was one of the Eagles’ 15 highest-graded prospects, per The Athletic’s Zach Berman, who reports they did not expect him to slip beyond then. They swooped in before the NFL’s other Pennsylvania-based franchise, the Steelers, could grab him at No. 21. Lemon expected to go to Pittsburgh (via Rob Maaddi of the Associated Press)
“Pittsburgh called me and I thought they were going to draft me and then the Eagles called at the same time,” Lemon said. “I guess it was meant to be. I’m super excited to be in Philly.”
The Eagles’ addition of Lemon will throw even more gasoline on the fire in regards to a potential A.J. Brown trade. Along with making a first-round investment in Lemon, the Eagles signed Marquise Brown and Elijah Moore in free agency. They also traded a 2026 fifth-rounder and a 2027 sixth-rounder to the Packers for Dontayvion Wicks, whom they immediately extended on a one-year, $12.5MM agreement. Moore is not a lock to carve out much of a role or even make the team, but Lemon, A.J. Brown, Wicks, Marquise Brown and DeVonta Smith make up a crowded, high-profile receiver room. There are now a lot of mouths to feed in Philadelphia.
For financial reasons, the Eagles are likely to wait until June 2 to trade A.J. Brown. New England is the probable landing spot, though the teams have not seen eye to eye on compensation yet. For now, general manager Howie Roseman continues to insist the three-time Pro Bowler is part of the Eagles’ plans.
“For us, A.J. is a member of the Eagles,” Roseman said (via Berman). “We don’t have any trades that have been made or that done. And I think for us, you know, we’re taking this one day at a time.”
Of course, it should be noted that the 5-foot-11, 192-pound Lemon and Brown (6-1, 226) are much different players. Lemon lined up in the slot over 75% of the time at USC, whereas Brown operates on the outside.
After a quiet first college season in 2023, quarterback Caleb Williams‘ last with the Trojans, Lemon broke out the next year. Over 12 games as a sophomore, he hauled in 52 passes for 754 yards and three touchdowns. Lemon saved his best for last in 2025, capping off his Trojans tenure with 79 receptions, 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns in another dozen-game campaign. The 21-year-old won the Fred Biletnikoff Award, which is given to the best receiver in the nation. After dropping just four passes at USC, Lemon should give Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts a sure-handed target with star potential.
Steelers Draft T Max Iheanachor At No. 21
With Broderick Jones not living up to his draft slot and battling a major injury, the Steelers are choosing a first-round tackle for the third time in four years.
Pittsburgh brought in Arizona State’s Max Iheanachor at No. 21 overall. This gives Pittsburgh some potential Jones insurance and a possible long-term option opposite RT Troy Fautanu. Iheanachor was one of nine offensive linemen (including seven tackles) chosen in Round 1 tonight.
This pick carried a major “what if?” component, with USC wide receiver Makai Lemon revealing the Steelers communicated to him an intent to draft him at No. 21. The intra-Pennsylvania development emerged after the Eagles traded up three spots (via the Cowboys) to vault in front of the Steelers at No. 20. Lemon went off the board soon after.
“Pittsburgh called me and I thought they were going to draft me and then the Eagles called at the same time,” Lemon said. “I guess it was meant to be. I’m super excited to be in Philly.”
Iheanachor will spend at least the early years of his career tied to a wide receiver, which is obviously not commonplace for a tackle, but big responsibilities may be coming early. Jones is recovering from neck fusion surgery, and a setback may or may not have occurred. And the 2023 first-round pick has not played especially well in stints at left and right tackle. A move to his natural LT spot did not yield desired results before the injury, and Pittsburgh will decline the Georgia alum’s fifth-year option. Iheanachor profiles as a successor option, though it will be interesting to see if Pittsburgh uses him more at right tackle — his primary college role — early behind Fautanu as he develops.
The Steelers were not among a host of teams who conducted “30” visits with the Nigeria native — who began his career at junior college — but they were linked to a possible first-round tackle. This was due in large part to Jones’ issues since being drafted. Pittsburgh had gone since the 1990s between first-round tackle picks prior to the Jones investment, but the team is now flooded with Round 1 options at this position as OTAs near.
Iheanachor earned second-team All-Big 12 acclaim last season. He primarily played right tackle with the Sun Devils but saw time on the blind side as well. With the Steelers stationing Fautanu at RT after his 2024 injury absence, an Iheanachor-at-LT experiment figures to gain traction soon.
“Position flex is huge,” Mike McCarthy said of his team’s first-round pick. “It’s bigger than ever in the NFL. Seventeen games is real. And to add Max to this group is – I can’t tell you how excited we are with the pick.”