The Pittsburgh Steelers' draft room drama has become the talk of the NFL, but for General Manager Omar Khan, it's just another day at the office. During the 2026 NFL Draft, Khan found himself in an awkward spot when he called former USC standout Makai Lemon a pick early, fully intending to select him. But the Philadelphia Eagles swooped in, trading up to the Dallas Cowboys' spot and snatching Lemon right out from under Khan's nose—while he was still on the phone.

Embarrassing? Sure. Unprecedented? Not even close. According to NFL insider Mike Sando (via Mike DeFabo), this isn't the first time the Steelers have employed this early-call tactic. The strategy is simple: by reaching out to a prospect before their official selection, teams hope to lock in the player and prevent other clubs from swooping in with last-minute offers. It's a high-risk, high-reward move that shows just how aggressive Khan is in building his roster.

Steelers fans might recall a similar situation from the 2025 NFL Draft. Khan was on the phone with defensive tackle Derrick Harmon a pick early, telling him to "just hold on" and that he was about to become a Steeler. That time, the gamble paid off—Pittsburgh landed Harmon, and he's been a solid addition to the defensive line. The lesson? Khan's bold tactics have a track record, even if they don't always go as planned.

While missing out on Lemon stings, there's hope this could be a blessing in disguise. The Steelers have a knack for finding talent, and Khan's willingness to push the envelope might just land them an even bigger steal down the road. For now, it's a reminder that in the high-stakes world of the NFL Draft, sometimes you have to take a chance—even if it means getting caught on the phone a little too early.