There’s an old saying “sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good”.  In the case of Omar Khan’s drafting strategy this past April, that saying holds true.  Let me take you back to round one of the 2026 NFL draft.  Khan is on the phone with Makai Lemon minutes before the Steelers pick.  Khan is so confident Lemon is his pick, he’s called before the Steeler are even on the clock.  As we learned in the now infamous viral video, the Eagles swooped in while Lemon was still on the phone to select him right under the Steelers nose.  https://youtu.be/d30g-XK5fXs?si=cq10WHer2YyEu3qh

With Lemon off the board, the Steelers were forced to scramble.  Luckily for them, a raw but talented offensive tackle named Max Iheanachor was still available. Pittsburgh had a future star at right tackle fall into their lap, while the Eagles are staring at a bust at wide receiver.  It’s still early to make any definitive decisions on Makai Lemon, but the early returns are not good.  All through training camp, there were reports that Lemon was struggling to pick up the offense.  Some wondered if he would play much at all in 2026.  After three games, Lemon has only 7 catches for 38 yards.  There were red flags associated with this player coming out of the NFL combine as well.  His bizarre antics during the player press conferences had some concerned.

The Steelers on the other hand, may have found themselves a dominant right tackle for years to come.  Max Iheanachor made his debut on Sunday, and nearly played a flawless game.  He did not allow a sack, and gave up just two pressures over 43 pass block snaps.  While there are sure to be hard times to come, Iheanchor has the physical gifts to be a plus tackle in the league.

It is hard to imagine a Steelers team without Max Iheanachor.   The right side of the Steelers offensive line was in shambles after just two weeks.  Where would this team be without the first round pick they lucked into?  If Omar Khan had his way Broderick Jones would be battling Dylan Cook in a disastrous right tackle battle, while the team would have a receiver who is not even as good as Germie Bernard.  Omar Khan and every Steelers fan should send Eagles general manager Howie Roseman a thank you letter.  He single handedly saved the team from itself.  It is indeed better to be lucky than good sometimes.