The Steelers snagged Max Iheanachor, the tackle out of Arizona State, with the 21st overall pick. Here’s what you need to know.
Stats & Accolades
- 2021-2022: JUCO
- 2023: (6 games played, 5 starts), 4 starts at right tackle, 1 start at left tackle
- 2024: (14 games played, 14 starts), All starts at right tackle
- 2025: (12 games played, 12 starts), All starters at right tackle
What the Steelers are getting:
Iheanachor is one of this year’s raw-but-traitsy offensive tackle prospects that the right team will have to have a plan for to make sure he hits the ground running at the next level. His story is impressive, going from a JUCO player to a potential first-round pick who didn’t start playing football until he was a teenager. Iheanachor is a quality
athlete with excellent lateral movement skills who should be a capable blocker in any run scheme. He’s got some growing to do as far as his consistency goes in pass protection, but the film he put together against top competition (vs. Texas Tech, Senior Bowl) shows just how close he actually is to realizing his potential.
Strengths
- Basketball background shows up in his footwork
- One of the biggest risers this draft season with notable Senior Bowl performance
- Rose to the occasion against Texas Tech’s excellent pass rush duo
- Athleticism to be scheme-independent as a run blocker
Weakness
- Still fairly raw at deducing stunts and games from the defensive front
- Tends to try and “bounce” defenders out of the hole as opposed to latching and driving
- Hands drift in ready position, opening himself up to whiffed blocks and holding penalties
Athletic Testing/Measurables
- Height: 6’6”
- Weight: 321 pounds
- 40-yard dash: 4.93 seconds
- 10-yard split: 1.71 seconds
- Vertical jump: 30.5 inches
- Broad jump: 9 feet, 7 inches
- 3-cone drill: N/A
- Short shuttle: N/A
- Bench Press: 25 reps
