Pittsburgh Steelers Select Offensive Tackle Max Iheanachor with 21st Pick in 2026 NFL Draft; Team Holds Multiple Remaining Selections
Introduction
The Pittsburgh Steelers used their first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to select offensive tackle Max Iheanachor from Arizona State. This is the third time in four years that the team has used a first-round pick on an offensive tackle. The selection happened while there is still uncertainty about the health of current left tackle Broderick Jones, who is recovering from a season-ending neck injury. The draft, which took place in Pittsburgh, set a first-round attendance record of 320,000 fans.
Main Body
The Steelers' recent history of first-round offensive line picks includes Broderick Jones (2023) and Troy Fautanu (2024). Jones's condition for the upcoming season is unclear after neck surgery. General Manager Omar Khan acknowledged that this situation influenced the decision to draft Iheanachor. Khan stated that the team has options for flexibility along the line. He noted that Fautanu could move to left tackle while Iheanachor plays on the right side. Head Coach Mike McCarthy confirmed that Iheanachor will initially train as a tackle. He did not rule out moving Fautanu to guard, describing the situation as offering many possibilities. Iheanachor started playing football later in life after a background in soccer and basketball. He spent two seasons at East Los Angeles College before transferring to Arizona State. He became a full-time starting right tackle in 2024. Khan and McCarthy emphasized his potential and athletic abilities, including effective zone-blocking, lateral quickness, and a large frame. However, they acknowledged technical weaknesses in hand placement, pad level, and balance. The pick was made after the Philadelphia Eagles traded with the Dallas Cowboys to select wide receiver Makai Lemon just before the Steelers' turn, removing a possible target for Pittsburgh. Khan said the team trusted its draft board and that the available talent at tackle made the selection appropriate. Fan reactions to the pick were mixed. Some attendees at the draft expressed approval, citing the need for offensive line depth due to Jones's injury. Others voiced disappointment, preferring a player at a skill position. The Steelers entered the draft with the most total picks in the league—12 selections. They still have four picks on Day 2 (Rounds 2 and 3) and seven picks on Day 3. Analysts have pointed out that the team's roster construction, including an uncertain quarterback situation with Aaron Rodgers's possible return still unresolved, suggests a long-term strategy that may involve selecting a quarterback in the 2027 draft. The draft's first-round attendance record of 320,000, announced by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, surpassed the previous record of 275,000 set in Detroit in 2024.
Conclusion
The Steelers have addressed an urgent need at offensive tackle with the selection of Max Iheanachor. However, the long-term impact of the pick will depend on Broderick Jones's recovery and the team's ability to develop Iheanachor's basic skills. With a large number of remaining picks, Pittsburgh retains flexibility to address other positional needs. Nevertheless, the overall team strategy—especially at quarterback—remains subject to future decisions.