The Pittsburgh Steelers' 2026 season kicks off in just a few days against the Atlanta Falcons with anticipation building in the Steel City. With many questions still surrounding the team, now led by new head coach Mike McCarthy, it is almost time for those questions to be answered. Veteran offensive tackle Dylan Cook looks primed to start on the offensive line over rookie first-round pick Max Iheanachor. However, this comes mostly due to the rookie being hurt and only seeing preseason action in one game. There's one team insider who believes things could change soon.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike McCarthy during 2026 training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
The rookie needs to show the coaching staff that he can stay healthy, while also working on one technical part of his game in order to earn playing time over the veteran offensive lineman. On Tuesday, Nick Farabaugh discussed the right tackle situation on an episode of the Steelers Breakdown podcast. He does have high praise for Pittsburgh's first-rounder, but added what he believes will help shape him into form as an NFL offensive lineman.
“He just needs to stack practices,” Farabaugh explained. “I think that’s really the key here, is this guy just needs to be on the football field. Iheanachor to me, is a good player. I think he has phenomenal upside. I think you look at his hands, that’s the big issue right now. It’s wide, certainly doesn’t have great placement or timing just yet. The feet are great, the IQ is all there.”
The one thing that Farabaugh did mention is that the last two to three weeks, the rookie has been able to stack those practices. In doing that, he has shown that he has been able to stay healthy in that time after returning from an injury. As he continues to do that, it helps him check off one of the two boxes that could propel him past Cook into the starting lineup.
The primary thing that Iheanachor was drafted for was arguably his raw size, especially given that he did not start to play football until the summer of 2021 at East Los Angeles College. The one trait that plays well into the rookie offensive lineman's favor is the size he provides as a behemoth up front to protect the quarterback. Making the transition from college to the NFL can be a work in progress and that is showing to be no different for the first-round pick. However, by the sounds of it, he appears to have a great chance to prove himself to be worthy of working into a more prominent role with the offensive line.
Steelers Are Looking To Continue A Nice Trend Upfront In 2026
Given the huge upside Farabaugh sees in the rookie, the Steelers have a chance to continue to bolster their strong reputation of late for drafting and developing offensive linemen. Troy Fautanu was drafted in the first round for the Steelers in 2024. Center Zach Frazier was just drafted 51st overall in the second round of that same draft and is listed as a starter on the depth chart. The same is true for 2024 fourth-round pick Mason McCormick as he is listed as the starting left guard. Iheanachor can really put a stamp on that if he develops into a stalwart on the offensive line like two of their 2024 draft picks did.
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Steelers offensive tackle Max Iheanachor participates in rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2026 offseason.
The offensive line has been one with moving parts this offseason, especially with Cook taking over last season at left tackle and now moving to right tackle. This unit will play an important role in Pittsburgh finding success in the 2026 season as they have to protect quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Given the upside of Iheanachor, he has a huge chance to become part of that mission if he can jump Cook on the depth chart.
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