It’s only a matter of time before Max Iheanachor becomes the Pittsburgh Steelers’ starting right tackle. The only question is how fast the clock is moving.
The Steelers have allowed 29 pressures and six sacks of Aaron Rodgers through two games and could look to make a change at any point. Pittsburgh’s offensive line hasn’t made a good first impression under Mike McCarthy and James Campen as the Steelers are 30th in total offense (278.5 yards).
As Rodgers’ career winds to an end this season and Iheanachor’s
just begins, the future Hall of Fame quarterback sees good things ahead for the rookie tackle.
“I think he’s got a really bright future,” Rodgers told the media Wednesday. “In one sense he’s raw because he hasn’t played football that long. The other sense, he’s got a beautiful set.”
Rodgers is impressed by how Iheanachor considers himself and the technique that he’s developed.
“You don’t say that about every tackle,” Rodgers said. “There’s nice sets, and then there’s beautiful sets.”
The Steelers selected Iheanachor with the 21st pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after only playing football for five years. Iheanachor didn’t play high school football and began his journey in community college before transferring to Arizona State in 2023.
He was the sixth tackle taken in the draft and the last of a strong class, before a sizable dip in potential that the Steelers didn’t want to miss out on.
If the Steelers are going to make a run at the AFC North and make the playoffs in back-to-back years, the offensive line needs to keep Rodgers upright and create time. Rodgers only missed one game last season, but has already taken multiple big hits that would leave any 42-year-old in significant pain.
