Eagles spoiled the Steelers' night, but Pittsburgh's pick is among the best draft stories

PITTSBURGH — As the 21st pick neared, the Steelers picked up the phone and dialed one of their prime targets.Over the course of Thursday night, the pieces had fallen into place almost perfectly for the host team, poised to make a splash in front of a record crowd of about 320,000 fans. The ripple effect began when the receiver-needy Rams surprisingly selected Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson at 13. It sent USC wide receiver Makai Lemon tumbling — past the Jets at 16 (they took Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq), past the Panthers at 19 (Georgia OT Monroe Freeling) —  and into Pittsburgh’s grasp. Almost.Advertisement