Steelers' Exciting Rookie Could Seize Crucial Starting Role

The Pittsburgh Steelers used another first-round pick on the offensive line for a reason, and NFL analyst Greg Cosell believes that investment could eventually turn into a major answer on the right side.

Max Iheanachor arrived in Pittsburgh as a rookie with plenty of attention on him. That comes with being a first-round pick, but it also comes with joining an offensive line room that has been reshaped aggressively in recent years. Now led by new offensive line coach James Campen, the Steelers have spent premium resources up front, and the expectation is no longer just development. At some point, those investments have to turn into dependable starters.

That is why Iheanachor’s path is so important. The Steelers already have Troy Fautanu expected to settle in at left tackle. Zach Frazier gives them a young anchor at center. Mason McCormick is part of the long-term interior plan. The right side, however, still feels like the area where training camp could determine a lot about the offense’s ceiling.

Cosell discussed Pittsburgh’s roster during an appearance on The Ross Tucker Podcast, and he made it clear that Iheanachor has the traits to become a real answer.

"I liked his tape a lot," Cosell said. "And by the way, I think he’s an ascending player because he’s young at the position and I think he can be a really, really good right tackle."

That is not empty praise. Cosell is one of the most respected film analysts in football, and his evaluation points to the larger appeal with Iheanachor. He is not being viewed only as a finished product. He is being viewed as a player whose best football may still be ahead of him. That matters for a rookie tackle.

The Steelers do not need Iheanachor to look like a Pro Bowler in June. They need him to keep developing, keep learning, and keep pushing Dylan Cook for the right tackle job. Cook has the edge in experience, and the Steelers may not want to force a rookie into the lineup before he is ready. Still, Cosell’s comments support the idea that Pittsburgh drafted Iheanachor because of what he could become quickly if the adjustment period goes well.

"I think they would love him to win the job, but he’s a rookie," Cosell said. "So, we’ll see."

That is the key balance. Pittsburgh would love for its first-round pick to take the job because that would solve one of the offense’s most important questions. It would give the Steelers a young tackle pairing with Fautanu and potentially stabilize the edges of the line for years. It would also give Aaron Rodgers the protection he needs in what could be a critical season for the entire organization.

At the same time, the Steelers cannot simply hand him the spot. Iheanachor has to earn it. That means showing he can handle NFL pass rushers, communicate properly, and avoid the kind of rookie mistakes that can wreck drives. Right tackle is not a developmental luxury spot when Rodgers is the quarterback. The Steelers are trying to win now, and the player protecting the edge has to be reliable.

That is where the competition with Cook becomes interesting. Cook has been praised inside and outside the building for his professionalism and growth. SteelerNation has already looked at how Iheanachor is showing signs of cracking the starting lineup, and the right tackle battle should only get more intense once the pads come on in Latrobe.

Steelers Need Their Rookie To Force The Issue

The best-case scenario for Pittsburgh is simple. Iheanachor makes the decision difficult.

If Cook wins the job because he is steady and dependable, that is not a bad outcome. The Steelers need five linemen they can trust, and Cook may give them that early. However, if Iheanachor pushes hard enough to win the job, it would change the outlook of the entire offensive line. It would mean the Steelers’ long-term tackle plan is arriving ahead of schedule.

That would be significant because Pittsburgh’s offense has several moving pieces. Rodgers is older. Mike McCarthy is installing his system. The run game needs to become more consistent. The wide receiver room has new pieces. The offensive line cannot be another weekly uncertainty if the Steelers want to make a serious push.

Iheanachor gives Pittsburgh upside that is hard to ignore. His athletic background, size, movement skills, and continued growth make him one of the most important players to watch in Latrobe. Cosell’s belief that he can become a “really, really good right tackle” only adds to the intrigue.

The Steelers may not need Iheanachor to start immediately, but they would clearly benefit if he proves he is ready.

If he does, Pittsburgh’s offensive line could look much closer to complete than it has in years.

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