Assessing the Steelers Selection of Max Iheanachor
p/c: Chris Jones
The City of Pittsburgh was front and center for th 2026 NFL Draft. With the 21st overall pick, Pittsburgh selected Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanachor - the first draft choice in the Mike McCarthy Era of Steelers football.
The selection of Iheanachor marks the third time in four years that the Steelers have gone offensive tackle, with Broderick Jones being taken in 2023 and Troy Fautanu in 2024.
At 6’5, 321 pounds, Iheanachor is a native of Nigeria, who grew up playing soccer, but never football.
After playing at East Los Angeles College, Iheanachor transferred to Arizona State, where he became a starter in 2024. During the 2025 season, he was named second-team All-Big 12.
Iheanachor ran a 40 time of 4.91 at the NFL Combine. Entering the draft, most scouts rated him as either the sixth or seventh best offensive tackle.
Assessment of the pick: While there is potential to be had with Iheanachor, he’s considered a project, who may not be a starter right away.
Iheanachor played primarily right tackle in college, although he’s shown the versatility to play on either side.
Broderick Jones is currently dealing with a significant neck issue, and depending how high the Steelers are on Dylan Cook, perhaps Iheanachor could transition over to left tackle, when training camp begins. If he stays at right tackle, then there could be the possibility of Troy Fautanu moving to guard. Isaac Seumalo signed a three year, $31.5 million dollar contract with the Arizona Cardinals earlier this offseason, so it might lead to Fautanu becoming the Steelers new left guard.
The Iheanachor pick is a reach, in my opinion, as he was projected to go at the conclusion of the first round/early second round. However, I’m willing to reserve judgement for right now.