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AJ Dybantsa’s Decision Proves NIL Still Can’t Compete With NBA Money | Deadspin.com Mar 12, 2026; Kansas City, MO, USA; BYU Cougars forward AJ Dybantsa (3) protects the ball from Houston Cougars guard Milos Uzan (7) during the second half at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images Future top-5 NBA draft pick, AJ Dybantsa, announced via his social media that he will be declaring for the draft, forgoing his final three years of eligibility at BYU. This comes as no surprise to anyone with a brain, as Kalshi’s markets show that Dybantsa has a 75% chance of being taken first overall at the draft this June. Last year’s first overall pick, Cooper Flagg, signed a four-year deal, totaling -million, the highest in NBA history up until this point. This number will only be higher in 2026, so Dybantsa will likely be making over million in his rookie year if he’s taken with the top selection. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: basketball During his time at BYU, it was rumored that Dybantsa had NIL packages totaling over million, one of the highest in the short history of NIL. If he returned for a sophomore season, he would’ve had a chance to improve on that, but would still likely be making a good chunk less than any NBA contract, before even considering additional brand deals.Dybantsa had joked before that his mom was going to make him stay in college for four years to earn his degree, but generational wealth can definitely change that mindset. Moreso, I’m kinda over top draft picks pretending like they’re actually going to come back for a second year of college basketball.I’m sure most of these guys had the time of their lives at college. Being the king of the campus, where the red carpet is always laid out for you, has to be awesome at 18 or 19, but what’s even cooler than that is millions of dollars and not having to go to college classes.Of course, people try to argue that NIL could offset those lost years, not making NBA money, but those people have a fundamental misunderstanding of NBA contracts. The younger you are, the more money you can make in the NBA. Of course, injuries and players struggling to adjust to the NBA level can prevent that from occurring, but the statement is true for most cases.If a young, top draft pick even shows flashes of All-Star potential, teams are kind of forced into paying these guys max contracts as early as possible. At just 23 years old, guys can be making + million if they leave college after their rookie seasons. If these players continue to blossom and have productive, long NBA careers, the number of max deals they can sign increases over time.A player that sticks around for four college seasons wouldn’t reach a max deal until their 26 or 27. One-and-done athletes will be looking at their second max deal at that same point. It’s financially irresponsible for kids to turn down this level of wealth just to play a little bit more college hoops.Also, being the big man on campus at BYU can’t even be that great. I could understand why a guy from Wisconsin or Arizona State might want to stick around college, but being an NBA superstar has to be cooler than being a BYU superstar. Quit pretending you’re going back to college; these guys are never turning down NBA money. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: basketball #Dybantsas #Decision #Proves #NIL #Compete #NBA #Money #Deadspin.com

AJ Dybantsa’s Decision Proves NIL Still Can’t Compete With NBA Money | Deadspin.com
AJ Dybantsa’s Decision Proves NIL Still Can’t Compete With NBA Money | Deadspin.com Mar 12, 2026; Kansas City, MO, USA; BYU Cougars forward AJ Dybantsa (3) protects the ball from Houston Cougars guard Milos Uzan (7) during the second half at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images Future top-5 NBA draft pick, AJ Dybantsa, announced via his social media that he will be declaring for the draft, forgoing his final three years of eligibility at BYU. This comes as no surprise to anyone with a brain, as Kalshi’s markets show that Dybantsa has a 75% chance of being taken first overall at the draft this June. Last year’s first overall pick, Cooper Flagg, signed a four-year deal, totaling -million, the highest in NBA history up until this point. This number will only be higher in 2026, so Dybantsa will likely be making over million in his rookie year if he’s taken with the top selection. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: basketball During his time at BYU, it was rumored that Dybantsa had NIL packages totaling over million, one of the highest in the short history of NIL. If he returned for a sophomore season, he would’ve had a chance to improve on that, but would still likely be making a good chunk less than any NBA contract, before even considering additional brand deals.Dybantsa had joked before that his mom was going to make him stay in college for four years to earn his degree, but generational wealth can definitely change that mindset. Moreso, I’m kinda over top draft picks pretending like they’re actually going to come back for a second year of college basketball.I’m sure most of these guys had the time of their lives at college. Being the king of the campus, where the red carpet is always laid out for you, has to be awesome at 18 or 19, but what’s even cooler than that is millions of dollars and not having to go to college classes.Of course, people try to argue that NIL could offset those lost years, not making NBA money, but those people have a fundamental misunderstanding of NBA contracts. The younger you are, the more money you can make in the NBA. Of course, injuries and players struggling to adjust to the NBA level can prevent that from occurring, but the statement is true for most cases.If a young, top draft pick even shows flashes of All-Star potential, teams are kind of forced into paying these guys max contracts as early as possible. At just 23 years old, guys can be making + million if they leave college after their rookie seasons. If these players continue to blossom and have productive, long NBA careers, the number of max deals they can sign increases over time.A player that sticks around for four college seasons wouldn’t reach a max deal until their 26 or 27. One-and-done athletes will be looking at their second max deal at that same point. It’s financially irresponsible for kids to turn down this level of wealth just to play a little bit more college hoops.Also, being the big man on campus at BYU can’t even be that great. I could understand why a guy from Wisconsin or Arizona State might want to stick around college, but being an NBA superstar has to be cooler than being a BYU superstar. Quit pretending you’re going back to college; these guys are never turning down NBA money. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: basketball #Dybantsas #Decision #Proves #NIL #Compete #NBA #Money #Deadspin.comMar 12, 2026; Kansas City, MO, USA; BYU Cougars forward AJ Dybantsa (3) protects the ball from Houston Cougars guard Milos Uzan (7) during the second half at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images

Future top-5 NBA draft pick, AJ Dybantsa, announced via his social media that he will be declaring for the draft, forgoing his final three years of eligibility at BYU.


This comes as no surprise to anyone with a brain, as Kalshi’s markets show that Dybantsa has a 75% chance of being taken first overall at the draft this June. 

Last year’s first overall pick, Cooper Flagg, signed a four-year deal, totaling $62-million, the highest in NBA history up until this point. This number will only be higher in 2026, so Dybantsa will likely be making over $15 million in his rookie year if he’s taken with the top selection.

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During his time at BYU, it was rumored that Dybantsa had NIL packages totaling over $7 million, one of the highest in the short history of NIL. If he returned for a sophomore season, he would’ve had a chance to improve on that, but would still likely be making a good chunk less than any NBA contract, before even considering additional brand deals.

Dybantsa had joked before that his mom was going to make him stay in college for four years to earn his degree, but generational wealth can definitely change that mindset. Moreso, I’m kinda over top draft picks pretending like they’re actually going to come back for a second year of college basketball.

I’m sure most of these guys had the time of their lives at college. Being the king of the campus, where the red carpet is always laid out for you, has to be awesome at 18 or 19, but what’s even cooler than that is millions of dollars and not having to go to college classes.

Of course, people try to argue that NIL could offset those lost years, not making NBA money, but those people have a fundamental misunderstanding of NBA contracts. The younger you are, the more money you can make in the NBA. Of course, injuries and players struggling to adjust to the NBA level can prevent that from occurring, but the statement is true for most cases.

If a young, top draft pick even shows flashes of All-Star potential, teams are kind of forced into paying these guys max contracts as early as possible. At just 23 years old, guys can be making $40+ million if they leave college after their rookie seasons. If these players continue to blossom and have productive, long NBA careers, the number of max deals they can sign increases over time.

A player that sticks around for four college seasons wouldn’t reach a max deal until their 26 or 27. One-and-done athletes will be looking at their second max deal at that same point. It’s financially irresponsible for kids to turn down this level of wealth just to play a little bit more college hoops.

Also, being the big man on campus at BYU can’t even be that great. I could understand why a guy from Wisconsin or Arizona State might want to stick around college, but being an NBA superstar has to be cooler than being a BYU superstar. Quit pretending you’re going back to college; these guys are never turning down NBA money.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: basketball

#Dybantsas #Decision #Proves #NIL #Compete #NBA #Money #Deadspin.com

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Mar 12, 2026; Kansas City, MO, USA; BYU Cougars forward AJ Dybantsa (3) protects the ball from Houston Cougars guard Milos Uzan (7) during the second half at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images

Future top-5 NBA draft pick, AJ Dybantsa, announced via his social media that he will be declaring for the draft, forgoing his final three years of eligibility at BYU.

This comes as no surprise to anyone with a brain, as Kalshi’s markets show that Dybantsa has a 75% chance of being taken first overall at the draft this June. 

Last year’s first overall pick, Cooper Flagg, signed a four-year deal, totaling $62-million, the highest in NBA history up until this point. This number will only be higher in 2026, so Dybantsa will likely be making over $15 million in his rookie year if he’s taken with the top selection.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: basketball

During his time at BYU, it was rumored that Dybantsa had NIL packages totaling over $7 million, one of the highest in the short history of NIL. If he returned for a sophomore season, he would’ve had a chance to improve on that, but would still likely be making a good chunk less than any NBA contract, before even considering additional brand deals.

Dybantsa had joked before that his mom was going to make him stay in college for four years to earn his degree, but generational wealth can definitely change that mindset. Moreso, I’m kinda over top draft picks pretending like they’re actually going to come back for a second year of college basketball.

I’m sure most of these guys had the time of their lives at college. Being the king of the campus, where the red carpet is always laid out for you, has to be awesome at 18 or 19, but what’s even cooler than that is millions of dollars and not having to go to college classes.

Of course, people try to argue that NIL could offset those lost years, not making NBA money, but those people have a fundamental misunderstanding of NBA contracts. The younger you are, the more money you can make in the NBA. Of course, injuries and players struggling to adjust to the NBA level can prevent that from occurring, but the statement is true for most cases.

If a young, top draft pick even shows flashes of All-Star potential, teams are kind of forced into paying these guys max contracts as early as possible. At just 23 years old, guys can be making $40+ million if they leave college after their rookie seasons. If these players continue to blossom and have productive, long NBA careers, the number of max deals they can sign increases over time.

A player that sticks around for four college seasons wouldn’t reach a max deal until their 26 or 27. One-and-done athletes will be looking at their second max deal at that same point. It’s financially irresponsible for kids to turn down this level of wealth just to play a little bit more college hoops.

Also, being the big man on campus at BYU can’t even be that great. I could understand why a guy from Wisconsin or Arizona State might want to stick around college, but being an NBA superstar has to be cooler than being a BYU superstar. Quit pretending you’re going back to college; these guys are never turning down NBA money.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: basketball

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NFL mock draft: 2nd round projection with 49ers on the clock <div id="zephr-anchor"><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft is in the books, and it did not play out according to expectations.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Fernando Mendoza came off the board at No. 1 to the Las Vegas Raiders, which was expected, but the draft began to veer into chaos-land shortly thereafter. Perhaps the biggest surprise came at No. 13, when the Los Angeles Rams addressed the future, not the present, and selected Ty Simpson as the eventual heir to Matthew Stafford’s throne.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">However, there are still 225 slots remaining in the 2026 NFL Draft, culminating with the Denver Broncos currently set to draft Mr. Irrelevant at pick No. 257. <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/1112114/nfl-draft-2026-the-best-players-available-for-day-2">Check out our list of the best players still available after Day 1 here</a>. Now that the dust has settled a bit from night one, here is a look at how the second round could unfold, with some thoughts following the picks.</p></div><div class="duet--article--block-placement jgpyd53 jgpyd50 duet--article--article-body-component"><div class="duet--article--table eqjv3q0"><table class="eqjv3q2"><thead><tr><th class="eqjv3q5"><h3 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Pick</h3></th><th class="eqjv3q5"><h3 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Team</h3></th><th class="eqjv3q5"><h3 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Player</h3></th><th class="eqjv3q5"><h3 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Position</h3></th><th class="eqjv3q5"><h3 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">School</h3></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">33</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">San Francisco 49ers (via NYJ)</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Denzel Boston</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">WR</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Washington</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">34</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Arizona Cardinals</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Garrett Nussmeier</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">QB</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">LSU</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">35</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Buffalo Bills (via TEN)</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Zion Young</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">EDGE</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Missouri</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">36</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Las Vegas Raiders</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Emmanuel McNeil-Warren</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">S</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Toledo</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">37</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">New York Giants</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Jermod McCoy</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">CB</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Tennessee</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">38</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Houston Texans (via WAS)</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Kayden McDonald</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">DT</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Ohio State</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">39</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Cleveland Browns</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">A.J. Haulcy</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">S</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">LSU</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">40</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Kansas City Chiefs</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Germie Bernard</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">WR</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Alabama</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">41</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Cincinnati Bengals</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Avieon Terrell</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">CB</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Clemson</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">42</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">New Orleans Saints</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Colton Hood</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">CB</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Tennessee</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">43</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Miami Dolphins</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Chris Bell</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">WR</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Louisville</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">44</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">New York Jets (via DAL)</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Brandon Cisse</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">CB</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">South Carolina</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">45</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Baltimore Ravens</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Cashius Howell</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">EDGE</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Texas A&M</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">46</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Jacob Rodriguez</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">LB</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Texas Tech</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">47</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Indianapolis Colts</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">CJ Allen</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">LB</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Georgia</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">48</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Atlanta Falcons</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Lee Hunter</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">DT</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Texas Tech</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">49</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Minnesota Vikings</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Treydan Stukes</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">S</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Arizona</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">50</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Detroit Lions</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">T.J. Parker</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">EDGE</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Clemson</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">51</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Carolina Panthers</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Eli Stowers</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">TE</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Vanderbilt</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">52</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Green Bay Packers</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Anthony Hill Jr.</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">LB</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Texas</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">53</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Pittsburgh Steelers</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Christian Miller</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">DT</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Georgia</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">54</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Philadelphia Eagles</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Emmanuel Pregnon</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">IOL</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Oregon</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">55</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Los Angeles Chargers</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Chase Bisontis</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">IOL</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Texas A&M</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">56</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Jacksonville Jaguars</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Gabe Jacas</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">EDGE</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Illinois</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">57</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Chicago Bears</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">R Mason Thomas</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">EDGE</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Oklahoma</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">58</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">San Francisco 49ers</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Derrick Moore</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">EDGE</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Michigan</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">59</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Houston Texans</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Keionte Scott</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">CB</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Miami</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">60</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Chicago Bears (via BUF)</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Sam Hecht</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">IOL</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Kansas State</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">61</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Los Angeles Rams</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Chris Brazzell</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">WR</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Tennessee</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">62</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Denver Broncos</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Jake Golday</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">LB</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Cincinnati</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">63</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">New England Patriots</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Josiah Trotter</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">LB</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Missouri</td></tr><tr class="eqjv3q6"><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">64</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Seattle Seahawks</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Romello Height</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">EDGE</td><td class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup eqjv3q7">Texas Tech</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h2 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">San Francisco adds a wide receiver</h2></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Denzel Boston was a popular selection near the end of mock drafts, often to the Buffalo Bills to give Josh Allen more help on the outside, but the Washington wide receiver slid out of the first round entirely.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The San Francisco 49ers might be glad he did.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">While the 49ers did make some additions at wide receiver, including Mike Evans and Christian Kirk, questions remain regarding Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings. In Boston, the 49ers are getting a ball-winning receiver on the outside, and in San Francisco, Boston gets a chance to learn from one of the NFL’s best in Evans.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h2 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Arizona gets their quarterback</h2></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Might this be too early for Garrett Nussmeier? Perhaps. But as we <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/1111521/garrett-nussmeier-injury-cyst-spine-lsu-scouting-report-steal">argued earlier this week</a>, the revelation that Nussmeier was dealing with a cyst on his spine, which was pressing on a nerve and causing significant pain and discomfort, changes his evaluation.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Nussmeier is still an undersized quarterback prospect, but the timing, rhythm, and anticipation he showed at LSU, particularly when healthy, is a strong foundation for his NFL journey. He also might be an ideal fit for what we expect this offense to look like under new head coach Mike LaFleur.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h2 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Tampa Bay gets their Lavonte David replacement</h2></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Lavonte David’s retirement created a big hole in the heart of the Buccaneers’ defense.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Tampa Bay fills that with linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, whose play-making skills and nose for the football saw him finish fifth in Heisman Trophy voting. He might give up the occasional big play in pass coverage, but his run-stopping skills and athleticism are fantastic building blocks for an NFL career.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h2 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Jermod McCoy’s slide ends in New York</h2></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">On film alone, Jermod McCoy’s draft profile is among the best in this entire class.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">However, as we saw last year with Will Johnson, injury concerns pushed McCoy out of the first round entirely. At some point, a team is going to accept the injury risk, and we think that will be John Harbaugh and the New York Giants tonight. McCoy’s 2024 tape is close to elite, with excellent footwork and movement skills. His press technique could use some refinement, but what I love about McCoy when he is in press alignment is his patience. He does not panic, and that trait was on display on this interception against Alabama:</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">It’s one thing to stay calm as a press corner with the ball at midfield, it’s another to do so with your feet near the goal line. But this is a fantastic play from McCoy, who stays patient, is strong with the jam, and then gets his eyes and hand to the football.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h2 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">DeMeco Ryans gets more defensive help</h2></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Last season, the Houston Texans defense was terrifying.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Imagine that defense … improving?</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">In this mock draft, not only do the Texans get Kayden McDonald, one of the top defensive tackles in the class and a player who was in Pittsburgh as a potential first-round pick, but they add one of our favorite players in Keionte Scott, a slot corner who can create havoc all over the field. Just watch him blow up this screen against Texas A&M in the college football playoff:</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Or time up this blitz against Louisville:</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Dropping him into this Houston defense? That’s just mean.</p></div></div> #NFL #mock #draft #2nd #projection #49ers #clock

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Poland will host the European Athletics Championships ​for the first time with ‌Silesia chosen as the venue ​for the 2028 ⁠edition, European Athletics confirmed on Friday.

The announcement came on the first ‌day of the European Athletics Council Meeting in ‌Birmingham, host of this ‌year’s ⁠championships in August.

The 2028 ⁠championships will take place at the Silesian Stadium in Chorzow – which ​hosts the annual ‌Kamila Skolimowska Memorial, part of the Diamond League – from June 3-8, one month before ‌the Olympic Games in ​Los Angeles.

“This will be the fourth time the ⁠European Athletics Championships will take place in the same year ‌as the Olympic Games,” European Athletics President Dobromir Karamarinov said in a statement.

“And it is not an exaggeration to say that Silesia ‌2028 will provide us with ​a glimpse into the future.”

Poland is the sixth most ⁠successful nation at the European ⁠Athletics Championships, which were first held in 1934, ‌with 59 gold medals and 185 medals in total.

Published on Apr 24, 2026

#Poland #host #European #Athletics #Championships #time">Poland to host European Athletics Championships for the first time Poland will host the European Athletics Championships ​for the first time with ‌Silesia chosen as the venue ​for the 2028 ⁠edition, European Athletics confirmed on Friday.The announcement came on the first ‌day of the European Athletics Council Meeting in ‌Birmingham, host of this ‌year’s ⁠championships in August.The 2028 ⁠championships will take place at the Silesian Stadium in Chorzow – which ​hosts the annual ‌Kamila Skolimowska Memorial, part of the Diamond League – from June 3-8, one month before ‌the Olympic Games in ​Los Angeles.“This will be the fourth time the ⁠European Athletics Championships will take place in the same year ‌as the Olympic Games,” European Athletics President Dobromir Karamarinov said in a statement.“And it is not an exaggeration to say that Silesia ‌2028 will provide us with ​a glimpse into the future.”Poland is the sixth most ⁠successful nation at the European ⁠Athletics Championships, which were first held in 1934, ‌with 59 gold medals and 185 medals in total.Published on Apr 24, 2026 #Poland #host #European #Athletics #Championships #time

Deadspin | Brewers open division play vs. Paul Skenes, Pirates Apr 18, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) delivers a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images The Milwaukee Brewers will turn to veteran Brandon Woodruff as they finally face a National League Central opponent when they host the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday night in the opener of a three-game series. Woodruff (2-0, 3.42 ERA) will oppose fellow right-hander Paul Skenes (3-1, 3.27), the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner. Milwaukee lost 5-4 at Detroit on Thursday on Spencer Torkelson’s walk-off solo homer in the ninth inning off Abner Uribe. The Brewers dropped back-to-back games to finish their road trip at 3-3. The Pirates lost at Texas 6-1 on Thursday, with their only run on Oneil Cruz’s team-leading eighth homer of the season. Pittsburgh starter Bubba Chandler allowed a season-high six runs in four innings. The Brewers, the three-time defending NL Central champions, will play a division rival for the first time after 24 games, including 18 against American League opponents. Each team in the NL Central is above .500. Woodruff, still returning to form after a late-September injury that kept him out of the playoffs, went a season-high seven innings in his last start. He allowed one run on three hits in a 5-2 victory Saturday at Miami, striking out four and walking one in an efficient 92-pitch outing. “Woody was tremendous,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said afterward. “It just goes to show you, old-school command and keeping them off-balance. Woodruff is 8-3 with a 3.05 ERA in 19 career games (17 starts) against the Pirates. He was 1-0 in two starts last season vs. them and did not give up a run in 10 innings. Milwaukee, without injured regulars Jackson Chourio, Andrew Vaughn and Christian Yelich, are tied for 25th in the majors with just 19 homers. The Brewers, however, lead in stolen bases with 35. Jake Bauers and Gary Sanchez, with five homers each, and Brice Turang with four, have accounted for 14 of Milwaukee’s 19 long balls. Milwaukee has won eight straight games against the Pirates, who have not lost consecutive games this season since falling in their first two games. Skenes has a 1.27 ERA over his last four starts, allowing just three runs in 21 1/3 innings. In his most recent outing, he allowed three hits over four scoreless innings against Tampa Bay but did not return after a lengthy rain delay. Pittsburgh lost 8-7 in 13 innings. “Short outing, but you know, felt like the execution was pretty good,” Skenes said afterward. Skenes is 1-2 with a 3.86 ERA in four career starts vs. the Brewers. He was 0-2 with a 5.79 ERA in three starts against them last season, allowing nine runs in 14 innings. Two-time AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal started for Detroit against Milwaukee on Thursday. With the Brewers scheduled to face Skenes on Friday, they will go against Cy Young Award winners in consecutive games, a rarity. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Brewers #open #division #play #Paul #Skenes #PiratesApr 18, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) delivers a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The Milwaukee Brewers will turn to veteran Brandon Woodruff as they finally face a National League Central opponent when they host the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday night in the opener of a three-game series.

Woodruff (2-0, 3.42 ERA) will oppose fellow right-hander Paul Skenes (3-1, 3.27), the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner.

Milwaukee lost 5-4 at Detroit on Thursday on Spencer Torkelson’s walk-off solo homer in the ninth inning off Abner Uribe. The Brewers dropped back-to-back games to finish their road trip at 3-3.

The Pirates lost at Texas 6-1 on Thursday, with their only run on Oneil Cruz’s team-leading eighth homer of the season. Pittsburgh starter Bubba Chandler allowed a season-high six runs in four innings.

The Brewers, the three-time defending NL Central champions, will play a division rival for the first time after 24 games, including 18 against American League opponents. Each team in the NL Central is above .500.

Woodruff, still returning to form after a late-September injury that kept him out of the playoffs, went a season-high seven innings in his last start. He allowed one run on three hits in a 5-2 victory Saturday at Miami, striking out four and walking one in an efficient 92-pitch outing.

“Woody was tremendous,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said afterward. “It just goes to show you, old-school command and keeping them off-balance.


Woodruff is 8-3 with a 3.05 ERA in 19 career games (17 starts) against the Pirates. He was 1-0 in two starts last season vs. them and did not give up a run in 10 innings.

Milwaukee, without injured regulars Jackson Chourio, Andrew Vaughn and Christian Yelich, are tied for 25th in the majors with just 19 homers. The Brewers, however, lead in stolen bases with 35.

Jake Bauers and Gary Sanchez, with five homers each, and Brice Turang with four, have accounted for 14 of Milwaukee’s 19 long balls.

Milwaukee has won eight straight games against the Pirates, who have not lost consecutive games this season since falling in their first two games.

Skenes has a 1.27 ERA over his last four starts, allowing just three runs in 21 1/3 innings. In his most recent outing, he allowed three hits over four scoreless innings against Tampa Bay but did not return after a lengthy rain delay. Pittsburgh lost 8-7 in 13 innings.

“Short outing, but you know, felt like the execution was pretty good,” Skenes said afterward.

Skenes is 1-2 with a 3.86 ERA in four career starts vs. the Brewers. He was 0-2 with a 5.79 ERA in three starts against them last season, allowing nine runs in 14 innings.

Two-time AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal started for Detroit against Milwaukee on Thursday. With the Brewers scheduled to face Skenes on Friday, they will go against Cy Young Award winners in consecutive games, a rarity.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Brewers #open #division #play #Paul #Skenes #Pirates">Deadspin | Brewers open division play vs. Paul Skenes, Pirates Apr 18, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) delivers a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images The Milwaukee Brewers will turn to veteran Brandon Woodruff as they finally face a National League Central opponent when they host the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday night in the opener of a three-game series. Woodruff (2-0, 3.42 ERA) will oppose fellow right-hander Paul Skenes (3-1, 3.27), the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner. Milwaukee lost 5-4 at Detroit on Thursday on Spencer Torkelson’s walk-off solo homer in the ninth inning off Abner Uribe. The Brewers dropped back-to-back games to finish their road trip at 3-3. The Pirates lost at Texas 6-1 on Thursday, with their only run on Oneil Cruz’s team-leading eighth homer of the season. Pittsburgh starter Bubba Chandler allowed a season-high six runs in four innings. The Brewers, the three-time defending NL Central champions, will play a division rival for the first time after 24 games, including 18 against American League opponents. Each team in the NL Central is above .500. Woodruff, still returning to form after a late-September injury that kept him out of the playoffs, went a season-high seven innings in his last start. He allowed one run on three hits in a 5-2 victory Saturday at Miami, striking out four and walking one in an efficient 92-pitch outing. “Woody was tremendous,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said afterward. “It just goes to show you, old-school command and keeping them off-balance. Woodruff is 8-3 with a 3.05 ERA in 19 career games (17 starts) against the Pirates. He was 1-0 in two starts last season vs. them and did not give up a run in 10 innings. Milwaukee, without injured regulars Jackson Chourio, Andrew Vaughn and Christian Yelich, are tied for 25th in the majors with just 19 homers. The Brewers, however, lead in stolen bases with 35. Jake Bauers and Gary Sanchez, with five homers each, and Brice Turang with four, have accounted for 14 of Milwaukee’s 19 long balls. Milwaukee has won eight straight games against the Pirates, who have not lost consecutive games this season since falling in their first two games. Skenes has a 1.27 ERA over his last four starts, allowing just three runs in 21 1/3 innings. In his most recent outing, he allowed three hits over four scoreless innings against Tampa Bay but did not return after a lengthy rain delay. Pittsburgh lost 8-7 in 13 innings. “Short outing, but you know, felt like the execution was pretty good,” Skenes said afterward. Skenes is 1-2 with a 3.86 ERA in four career starts vs. the Brewers. He was 0-2 with a 5.79 ERA in three starts against them last season, allowing nine runs in 14 innings. Two-time AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal started for Detroit against Milwaukee on Thursday. With the Brewers scheduled to face Skenes on Friday, they will go against Cy Young Award winners in consecutive games, a rarity. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Brewers #open #division #play #Paul #Skenes #Pirates

GM Omar Khan was on the phone with USC wide receiver Makai Lemon, telling the prospect that he was going to be picked at No. 21 and become a Steeler. Then all the oxygen got sucked from Pittsburgh’s war room when Lemon told Khan, “Why is Philly calling?”

The Steelers jumped the gun in making the call. They reached out to Lemon when the Cowboys were on the clock, assuming there was no way that Dallas was going to take a wide receiver — and also likely assuming that they wouldn’t trade in-division with the Eagles, who were the most-likely team to take a receiver at that point.

It led to a bit of a mess. Pittsburgh ended up making a decent choice in offensive tackle Max Iheanachor, but he was definitely more of a reach based on consensus big boards, whereas Lemon would have been a steal. It’s also unclear how Iheanachor makes the Steelers immediately better, seeming more like Broderick Jones insurance than a home run in his own right. Find every pick of the 2026 NFL Draft with our tracker.

Meanwhile, the Eagles got absolutely bailed out of their WR mess by their in-division rival. Philadelphia were staring down the barrel of either needing to reach for a pass catcher, or take a different position, potentially be forced to trade AJ Brown, and get left with an incomplete offense. Now with DeVonta Smith and Makai Lemon they’re set — and both players came to the Eagles via trades with the Cowboys.

Time will tell how all this shakes out. Maybe Iheanachor will turn into a stud, Lemon will be a bust and everything will play out … or this could be a moment that haunts the Steelers forever.

#exact #moment #Steelers #Eagles #ruined #draft #plans">This was the exact moment the Steelers found out the Eagles ruined their draft plans The Pittsburgh Steelers were on the receiving end of the most embarrassing, soul-crushing moment of the NFL Draft’s first round on Thursday night — and it came courtesy of their in-state rival, the Philadelphia Eagles, just to rub salt in the wound.GM Omar Khan was on the phone with USC wide receiver Makai Lemon, telling the prospect that he was going to be picked at No. 21 and become a Steeler. Then all the oxygen got sucked from Pittsburgh’s war room when Lemon told Khan, “Why is Philly calling?”The Steelers jumped the gun in making the call. They reached out to Lemon when the Cowboys were on the clock, assuming there was no way that Dallas was going to take a wide receiver — and also likely assuming that they wouldn’t trade in-division with the Eagles, who were the most-likely team to take a receiver at that point.It led to a bit of a mess. Pittsburgh ended up making a decent choice in offensive tackle Max Iheanachor, but he was definitely more of a reach based on consensus big boards, whereas Lemon would have been a steal. It’s also unclear how Iheanachor makes the Steelers immediately better, seeming more like Broderick Jones insurance than a home run in his own right. Find every pick of the 2026 NFL Draft with our tracker.Meanwhile, the Eagles got absolutely bailed out of their WR mess by their in-division rival. Philadelphia were staring down the barrel of either needing to reach for a pass catcher, or take a different position, potentially be forced to trade AJ Brown, and get left with an incomplete offense. Now with DeVonta Smith and Makai Lemon they’re set — and both players came to the Eagles via trades with the Cowboys.Time will tell how all this shakes out. Maybe Iheanachor will turn into a stud, Lemon will be a bust and everything will play out … or this could be a moment that haunts the Steelers forever. #exact #moment #Steelers #Eagles #ruined #draft #plans

Meanwhile, the Eagles got absolutely bailed out of their WR mess by their in-division rival. Philadelphia were staring down the barrel of either needing to reach for a pass catcher, or take a different position, potentially be forced to trade AJ Brown, and get left with an incomplete offense. Now with DeVonta Smith and Makai Lemon they’re set — and both players came to the Eagles via trades with the Cowboys.

Time will tell how all this shakes out. Maybe Iheanachor will turn into a stud, Lemon will be a bust and everything will play out … or this could be a moment that haunts the Steelers forever.

#exact #moment #Steelers #Eagles #ruined #draft #plans">This was the exact moment the Steelers found out the Eagles ruined their draft plans

The Pittsburgh Steelers were on the receiving end of the most embarrassing, soul-crushing moment of the NFL Draft’s first round on Thursday night — and it came courtesy of their in-state rival, the Philadelphia Eagles, just to rub salt in the wound.

GM Omar Khan was on the phone with USC wide receiver Makai Lemon, telling the prospect that he was going to be picked at No. 21 and become a Steeler. Then all the oxygen got sucked from Pittsburgh’s war room when Lemon told Khan, “Why is Philly calling?”

The Steelers jumped the gun in making the call. They reached out to Lemon when the Cowboys were on the clock, assuming there was no way that Dallas was going to take a wide receiver — and also likely assuming that they wouldn’t trade in-division with the Eagles, who were the most-likely team to take a receiver at that point.

It led to a bit of a mess. Pittsburgh ended up making a decent choice in offensive tackle Max Iheanachor, but he was definitely more of a reach based on consensus big boards, whereas Lemon would have been a steal. It’s also unclear how Iheanachor makes the Steelers immediately better, seeming more like Broderick Jones insurance than a home run in his own right. Find every pick of the 2026 NFL Draft with our tracker.

Meanwhile, the Eagles got absolutely bailed out of their WR mess by their in-division rival. Philadelphia were staring down the barrel of either needing to reach for a pass catcher, or take a different position, potentially be forced to trade AJ Brown, and get left with an incomplete offense. Now with DeVonta Smith and Makai Lemon they’re set — and both players came to the Eagles via trades with the Cowboys.

Time will tell how all this shakes out. Maybe Iheanachor will turn into a stud, Lemon will be a bust and everything will play out … or this could be a moment that haunts the Steelers forever.

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