Overview
- ESPN's Field Yates forecasts Pittsburgh passing on a first-round quarterback to select Makai Lemon with the 20th pick.
- Yates points to the Steelers as one of two teams with fewer than 100 catches by wide receivers this season (97), with DK Metcalf as the primary threat.
- Lemon logged 79 receptions, 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2025, drawing praise for a standout catch radius and just one drop per season in college.
- The pick is framed as contingent on draft flow, with Yates projecting Lemon over Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson if no trade up or falling QB materializes.
- Reports also note Ohio State's Carnell Tate as a viable first-round alternative and highlight quarterback uncertainty with Aaron Rodgers expected to end his career after the season.