Steelers Rookie Max Iheanachor Is Showing Signs Of Cracking The Starting Lineup

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a clear focus over the last handful of years as the franchise has invested a ton of resources into the trenches on both sides of the ball. This is often an underrated aspect of roster building from a fan perspective, as drafting a big man in the first round of the NFL Draft is not always the most exciting selection. This is something that Pittsburgh has done in four consecutive drafts as the organization has used three of its first round picks on offensive tackles, and one of them on a defensive tackle. The newest addition is, of course, Max Iheanachor.

The Steelers drafted Iheanachor with the 21st overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and he became the third tackle drafted by Pittsburgh in the last four years, joining Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu. Jones was drafted back in 2023, and he doesn't seem to be a part of the future in Pittsburgh. Fautanu is probably Pittsburgh's best offensive lineman, and he is moving back to his natural position at left tackle in 2026. Iheanachor is currently working at right tackle and is listed as the backup to Dylan Cook.

Cook and Iheanachor are expected to be in a tight position battle throughout training camp, and many believe Cook will begin the regular season as the starter. Cook spoke about Iheanachor recently, giving glowing praise to the rookie.

"He's primed. He's ready," Cook said. "There are a couple of things he can work on, but he's a quick learner and he's eager to learn. He's going to be a really good player. I don't know his full story, but from what I've heard, he's only been playing football for a few years. That's crazy. Good for him."

Cook has been nothing but a professional ever since he joined the Steelers, and he spoke highly of the rookie that is currently trying to take his job. The two are going to be locked in a battle, and the 2026 season is technically a contract year for Cook as he is set to hit restricted free agency once the year wraps up. He still found a way to compliment the rookie and praise his journey up until this point.

Cook served as Pittsburgh's left tackle to end the 2025 season, and he played far better than anyone could have expected. This came after Jones suffered a serious neck injury and was ruled out for the final portion of the season.

Fautanu is the surefire starter at left tackle while Cook and the rookie fight it out on the right side, but Cook definitely has the leg up after the way he ended the 2025 season. He should begin the year as the starter on the right side, but there is a chance he could be on a short leash if Iheanachor continues to progress.

Steelers' Broderick Jones Could Make Things Interesting

Jones' status for training camp is still up in the air, but there is a chance he could begin practicing in full at some point while the team is in Latrobe. If he can return, he has the experience in the NFL to provide depth on both the left and right side of the offensive line, but he could also insert himself into the competition at right tackle. He doesn't appear to be a part of the team's future plans and the new coaching staff has no emotional ties to him as he was not drafted during their tenure. So, it seems like a long shot that he will see meaningful snaps again while wearing the black and gold.

Hopefully Iheanachor can crack the starting lineup at some point. This would allow the organization to see sooner rather that later if it has found its two tackles of the future.

What do you think about Cook's comments on Iheanachor? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!

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