With the 21st overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Steelers have selected Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanachor.
"Our offensive line coaches are bouncing off the wall," Mike McCarthy said Thursday night at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. "I can't tell you enough about him -- we don't have enough big men up front. He's great for us. A stud of a young man. Throughout the process, you heard about him a little bit early, and he just kept growing and growing and growing through the evaluation. As we really wound down this week, he frankly just kept climbing up our board. We were just really excited that he was there. I think it's an excellent pick for us. He'll be a great addition to our offensive line."
Iheanachor, 22, is a traits-heavy offensive tackle, standing 6-6, weighing 321 pounds with 33 7/8-inch arms. He's also very athletic, earning a Relative Athletic Score of 9.86 out of a possible 10.
In 2025, Iheanachor played 12 games, allowed zero sacks, only three quarterback hits and 11 hurries. Iheanachor played exclusively right tackle at Arizona State. He's very new to the game, having more of a background in basketball. However, that hasn't stopped his ascent toward being a first-round selection.
Iheanachor has good length, mass and frame for an NFL offensive tackle. His play strength shows up on tape, along with very quick feet and excellent body control (thanks to his background in basketball). Because he's so new to the position, he is still pretty raw, especially in pass protection. But, the Steelers have a very experience offensive line coach in James Campen, so they aren't afraid of developing him.
THE ASYLUM
Steelers select Iheanachor in first round
With the 21st overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Steelers have selected Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanachor.
"Our offensive line coaches are bouncing off the wall," Mike McCarthy said Thursday night at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. "I can't tell you enough about him -- we don't have enough big men up front. He's great for us. A stud of a young man. Throughout the process, you heard about him a little bit early, and he just kept growing and growing and growing through the evaluation. As we really wound down this week, he frankly just kept climbing up our board. We were just really excited that he was there. I think it's an excellent pick for us. He'll be a great addition to our offensive line."
Iheanachor, 22, is a traits-heavy offensive tackle, standing 6-6, weighing 321 pounds with 33 7/8-inch arms. He's also very athletic, earning a Relative Athletic Score of 9.86 out of a possible 10.
In 2025, Iheanachor played 12 games, allowed zero sacks, only three quarterback hits and 11 hurries. Iheanachor played exclusively right tackle at Arizona State. He's very new to the game, having more of a background in basketball. However, that hasn't stopped his ascent toward being a first-round selection.
Iheanachor has good length, mass and frame for an NFL offensive tackle. His play strength shows up on tape, along with very quick feet and excellent body control (thanks to his background in basketball). Because he's so new to the position, he is still pretty raw, especially in pass protection. But, the Steelers have a very experience offensive line coach in James Campen, so they aren't afraid of developing him.
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