It wasn’t the giant splash that the city was hoping for, but in the end they filled a need!
With the 21st pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Arizona State Offensive Tackle Max Iheanachor.
Omar Khan is building in the trenches, and honestly, we’re here for it. Grab a cold one, here is the Beer We Go scouting report on the newest Pittsburgh Strong Man.
The Vital Stats
- Player: Max Iheanachor (pronounced: ee-HAW-nuh-chore)
- School: Arizona State (via East Los Angeles College)
- Size: 6’5″, 321 lbs
- Speed: 4.91s 40-yard dash (the big man can move!)
- Experience: 32 games, 31 starts.
The Scouting Report
The Good: “A Mountain with Wheels”
Max is the definition of the behemoth with speed prospect, there aren’t many human beings this big who move this well.
- Elite Athleticism: His 4.91-second 40-yard dash is rare for a guy over 320 lbs. He’s a former basketball player and soccer enthusiast who grew up in Nigeria, and that footwork shows up when he’s mirroring speed rushers.
- The “Zero” Stat: He didn’t allow a single sack during his senior season at Arizona State. That is the kind of consistency that keeps QBs upright and fans happy.
- Run Game Bully: He isn’t just a pass protector; he uses that massive frame to carve out lanes and become a road grader. He was an All-Big 12 Second Team selection for a reason.
The frustration is he is a “Work in Progress” and a “Raw Talent”
Max didn’t start playing football until late in his teens (after moving to the U.S. at 13).
- Technique: While his physical traits are A+, his hand placement and leverage can still be a bit “raw.” He’s a developmental win that might not be a Day 1 starter unless Broderick Jones’ neck injury lingers.
- The Learning Curve: Coming from the JUCO ranks to the NFL in just a few years is a massive jump. He’ll need to be a “sponge” under Mike McCarthy and the staff.
The Fit: Where does he play?
The Steelers now have a surplus of young tackle talent. Max played mostly Right Tackle in college, but he has the “position flexibility” the Steelers love. This pick puts a lot of pressure on the Steelers current tackle tandem and provides a massive insurance policy (and potential upgrade) for Broderick Jones who has not yet found his rhythm.
The Beer We Go Verdict: B
It’s an “eat your vegetables” pick. It might not be a flashy wide receiver or a ball-hawking corner, but you don’t win championships without a wall. Max has the highest ceiling of almost any tackle in this draft class. If he hits, he’s a Pro Bowler for a decade.
What BWG thinks?
Tom Janikci, BWG President- It’s a no comment type of pick. I understand that the game is won in the trenches and typically is be down with 3 out of the past 4 drafts going with lineman 1st rounders, however, I’m just not feeling Max is the next Alan Faneca. I’d bet the Career of Max Starks is better than this dudes when it’s all said and done. Hope I’m wrong!!
MMP- It starts up front and he has freakish speed, I am excited.
KGB: Our O-line definitely needed some revamping so this was a great pick. Was not happy with the camera work, since I saw Max’s friend’s underwear, instead of his reaction.
D-Man: Third time picking a tackle in the first is the charm…Right?
Little Miss Tailgate: I am excited with our pick from last night. Hopefully with Max, we will be able to protect our QB a little better and tighten up the offensive line.
What AI thinks?
Draft Night Toast: Here’s to Max Iheanachor—may your blocks be pancakes and your jerseys stay clean. Welcome to the 412!
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