Steelers Projected to Land 'Fantastic Complement' to D.K. Metcalf

CBS Sports' Josh Edwards slotted USC receiver Makai Lemon to the Pittsburgh Steelers to pair with veteran wideout D.K. Metcalf.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The Pittsburgh Steelers are still searching for their long-term solution behind center, but many mock drafts have begun slotting a receiver to pair with D.K. Metcalf as a first-round pick for the team. In his newest NFL mock draft, CBS Sports' Josh Edwards predicted the Steelers to pick USC wideout Makai Lemon, who had a breakout junior season with 79 catches, 1,156 receiving yards, and 11 touchdowns.

Why it matters

The Steelers are looking to build around veteran wide receiver D.K. Metcalf, and adding a talented young receiver like Makai Lemon could provide a fantastic complement to Metcalf and help the team's offense take the next step, regardless of who ends up being the Steelers' starting quarterback.

The details

Lemon broke out during his junior season with the Trojans in 2025, posting 79 catches for 1,156 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. Over 33 games at USC, Lemon registered 137 catches for 2,008 yards and 14 touchdowns.

  • Lemon had a breakout junior season with USC in 2025.

The players

D.K. Metcalf

A veteran wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Makai Lemon

A wide receiver prospect from the University of Southern California (USC) who is projected to be drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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What they’re saying

“It would not have been a surprise if Makai Lemon had been taken much earlier, but his availability is Pittsburgh's gain in this instance. Lemon is a fantastic complement to DK Metcalf for whichever quarterback the Steelers empower next season.”

— Josh Edwards, CBS Sports Analyst (CBS Sports)

The takeaway

The Steelers are looking to build a potent passing attack around veteran wide receiver D.K. Metcalf, and adding a talented young receiver like Makai Lemon in the draft could provide the team with a dynamic duo at the position to help their offense reach new heights, regardless of who ends up being the team's starting quarterback.