The Baltimore Ravens walked out of the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft with their dream scenario. They selected guard Vega Ioane at No. 14, adding a sturdy protector up front for an offense that desperately needed it.
As it turns out, the first round was a win in more ways than one. The Cleveland Browns’ selection of offensive tackle Spencer Fano at No. 9 comes with a risk, but what happened with the Pittsburgh Steelers probably has Ravens fans dying of laughter.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport revealed that the Steelers initially intended to draft wide receiver Makai Lemon at No. 21. In fact, they were even on the phone with him before the Philadelphia Eagles traded up to No. 20 to draft him. Instead, Pittsburgh had to settle for offensive tackle Max Iheanachor.
From the NFL Draft: A wild story, as the #Eagles trade up for Makai Lemon... while he was on the phone with the #Steelers. pic.twitter.com/r1R6pQnFgi
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 24, 2026
Absolute heartbreak for Pittsburgh, and an absolute win for Baltimore.
Baltimore Ravens watch Pittsburgh Steelers trip into draft day heartbreak
Iheanachor is a solid player and has an extremely high ceiling, but let’s be honest, if you’re a Ravens fan, you’re probably breathing a sigh of relief that Pittsburgh didn’t get a chance to draft Lemon. He would’ve created a three-headed monster between himself, DK Metcalf, and Michael Pittman Jr. Baltimore had significant issues in their secondary last year, and the idea of facing that group would’ve been absolutely terrifying.
At the same time, Iheanachor could be seen as a bit of a reach. There’s a growing need for a left tackle after Broderick Jones suffered a setback in his rehab from a neck injury, but Iheanachor remains a risk due to his inexperience. He’s very new to football.
Iheanachor started playing football in 2021, and the technical flaws are obvious. Yes, his size and athleticism make him an intriguing prospect, but he's underdeveloped for now. His punches can be wildly inaccurate, and his recognition is obviously a step behind.
If Pittsburgh plans on starting him at left tackle in his rookie year, they might as well be throwing him to a pack of wolves. And after signing Trey Hendrickson in free agency, the Ravens come well-equipped to do damage against a rookie offensive lineman still learning the ropes of the game.
Lemon would’ve been an instant difference maker. He has the route running, the ball skills, and impressive physicality for a player who’s a shade under 6-foot tall. He would’ve been quite an annoying player to deal with. Instead, the Steelers settle for Iheanachor in comical fashion, and Baltimore should be incredibly happy about that.
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