What to like about first-round OT Max Iheanachor

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What to like about first-round OT Max Iheanachor

The Steelers
24 Apr 2026, 07:38 GMT+

Mike Prisuta

THE PICK:(First Round, 21st overall)

THE PLAYER:Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State

THE PHYSICAL MEASUREMENTS:6-foot-57/8, 321 pounds

THE PARTICULARS:Iheanachor's family moved from Nigeria to Los Angeles when he was 13. His athletic background included soccer and basketball at first and he didn't start playing football until he was attending junior college in the summer of 2021, initially at the suggestion of his AAU basketball coach. Iheanachor eventually went on to appear in 32 games and start 31 over his three seasons at Arizona State (30 at right tackle, one at left tackle). Iheanachor earned 2025 Second-Team All-Big XII honors at right tackle in 2025.

NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah assessed Iheanachor as having had an "outstanding week of practice" during Senior Bowl week, a week in which Iheanachor helped himself, in Jeremiah's estimation, by taking coaching and continuing to improve throughout the week. Iheanachor pulled multiple times from right tackle as a lead blocker on running plays during the Senior Bowl game and also displayed knock-down ability on inside runs and anchor and finish in the passing game.

Jeremiah also credited Iheanachor as having "a good day" during his on-field workout at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Added NFL Network reporter Stacey Dales: "He has handled this (Combine) week, talking to people, so extraordinary well."

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING:Jeremiah: "His tape isn't perfect, but it's full of clues hinting he could end up being one of the best offensive linemen in this year's draft class. He is a very good player who just keeps getting better."

Draft analyst Dane Brugler of The Athletic: "Overall, Iheanachor is still learning how to refine his talent on a more consistent basis, but his traits (athletic build, balanced quickness, play strength) form an exciting foundation for a future starting right tackle. He is an ascending player, although he might require a "redshirt" year, and a patient coaching staff as he continues to develop."

MORE ON MAX IHEANACHOR:"E-hon-a-chore" 1.74/4.91; 4.95 DJ No. 41/Top 50 RT raw, family moved to LA from Nigeria when he was 13 didn't start playing football until JC DJ: "His tape isn't perfect, but it's full of clues hinting he could end up being one of the best offensive linemen in this year's draft class." DJ-Helped himself at Senior Bowl, took coaching, kept getting better during practice week DJ-2R, has a chance to sneak into 1R No. 119 overall-BR DJ: "He is a very good player who just keeps getting better. I think he has a chance to get his way into the first round." DJ-"having a good day" at Combine 2025 Second-team All-Big XII at RT 31 GS in 32 career GP (30 at RT, 1 at LT) DJ: "Outstanding week of practice in Mobile." DJ: "And someone that's so new to football there's still room for growth and upside." NFL Network comp-Tytus Howard can play OT, can kick inside and play OG Dales: "he has handled this week, talking to people, so extraordinary well." 14 GS at RT in 2025 pulled as lead blocker on toss from RT during SB Game (multiple time) also knock-down on inside run also should up in pass-pro (anchor/finish) DJ-starting RT, first-round discussion.