Steelers May Become Reliant On Rookie Tackle Max Iheanachor Sooner Rather Than Later

The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into training camp under a new head coach, and there have already been some big changes in how things are being run. Whether it's earlier practice times, philosophy changes, or more attention to detail, the Black and Gold are undergoing a complete culture change. As always, camp brings a ton of storylines, and Pittsburgh has no shortage of those. Position battles are usually a headline for training camps, and the Steelers' offensive line is one of the big ones. There has yet to be a starter named for either the right guard or right tackle spots for the regular season, and though he could be a dark-horse candidate, 2026 first-round pick Max Iheanachor will have a chance to show what he can do. 

The Steelers could be reluctant to throw a rookie, who had just started playing football a few years ago, into their starting right tackle spot. However, he could have an opportunity later in the season to earn a significant role, or could find a way to impress in camp. That's where things get interesting. Pittsburgh hasn't been shy about throwing a rookie first-rounder out at tackle in the past. Though an injury to another player made it possible, 2023 first-rounder Broderick Jones saw 11 starts in his first year. Now, that doesn't necessarily mean the same will happen for Iheanachor, but it could be something to take note of. 

As camp progresses, there will eventually be a starter named at the right tackle position for September. Some names that have the best chance there are Jones, though he is still making his way back from a nasty neck injury, and Dylan Cook, who showed out in Jones' absence in 2025. Cook seems to be the most likely candidate, but Iheanachor could be in the mix, even if it's not right away. Sports Illustrated's Justin Melo believes that Iheanachor will have his chance sooner than many believe. 

"It's been astounding to watch Max Iheanachor's journey from a JUCO raw product to legitimate first-round pick. With Broderick Jones dealing with a complicated recovery process from an injury, the Pittsburgh Steelers may end up reliant on him sooner rather than later (though veteran Dylan Cook is an alternative option). Iheanachor has terrific size, length, and athleticism, and in recent seasons, his play has begun matching his breathtaking physical traits," Melo wrote. 

Iheanachor stands at nearly 6'6" and 330 pounds. The giant tackle has proven that he can stand up against some of college football's best edge rushers, including 2026 second-overall pick David Bailey, where he held his own. This was a good sign in his pre-draft process, as it proves he can be formidable against near-NFL talent. Though he's still a raw prospect, there's a lot to like about Iheanachor. 

Firstly, his footwork is still raw when it comes to the run game, but in pass protection, he has proven that for his size, he's light on his feet. His soccer and basketball background are apparent there, and his athleticism shows. Pittsburgh needs a tackle of the future, and with Jones being an underwhelming first-round selection and Cook becoming a free agent post-2026, there's plenty of room for Iheanachor when he's ready. Now, how soon will that be? Time will tell. But training camp and the preseason should be a good indicator of just how raw a prospect he is. 

The Steelers Can't Rush Iheanachor

One of the major criticisms when it came to Jones was that maybe he wasn't ready, though an injury to the team's starter at the time forced him into the position. Unless Iheanachor really shows up, with such a raw prospect, things should be taken slowly. He'll have one of the best edge rusher rooms in the league to practice against, which should only help his development, but Pittsburgh being reliant on him early wouldn't necessarily be a good thing. The Steelers have the depth to allow Iheanachor to ease his way into a role, and hopefully that will prevent any mistiming when it comes to him becoming a starter. 

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