Although he wasn’t the first prospect they called, the Steelers selected Max Iheanachor with the 21st overall pick during last nights first round. Overall, opinions on the pick online among fans seem to be varied.It’s time to take a look at what some of the experts around the internet think of the Steelers first round selection.SB Nation: B+“This is an intriguing developmental pick by the Steelers, with a side of hedge to it. Broderick Jones is recovering from neck surgery, and while the Steelers are hopeful he will be back for the start of training camp, Max Iheanachor gives them an option.”“If Jones is back then Iheanachor — who just started playing football a few years ago — gets more time to refine his game.
The foundation is there, thanks to his footwork and athleticism. Add in some refined technique and you have a potential cornerstone tackle.”“Also … one does wonder if Ty Simpson coming off the board made this decision a little easier, but I digress.” -Mark SchofieldNFL.com: A“Questions linger about the health of left tackle Broderick Jones, as well as the team’s interest in exercising his fifth-year option. Iheanachor could start on the right side and allow former first-rounder Troy Fautanu to move back to left tackle if Jones is not available this season.
Despite his large size, Iheanachor’s neat feet in pass protection make him tough to beat on the edge.” -Chad ReuterCBS Sports: B+“This is definitely not a win-now move, but I like it. Iheanachor has the most intriguing developmental tools in the draft class, with truly everything you could want to play the tackle position in the NFL. And the kicker: he only started playing football five years ago.
For the Steelers, they won’t necessarily need him to start Year 1 with Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu already set at tackle.” -Mike RennerThe Athletic: B-“For the third time in four years, the Steelers have used a first-round pick on an offensive tackle. Is this an admission that they whiffed on Broderick Jones in 2023? You have to read it that way to some degree, although Jones’ neck injury was an unforeseen issue.
Iheanachor has plenty of talent, but he’s really raw. He could be a real find here, if the Steelers are patient, although I’m not sure how much he helps right away.”“Born in Nigeria, Iheanachor (6-6, 321) moved to the United States at age 13 and first started playing football after graduating from high school in 2021. He spent two seasons at East Los Angeles College before earning a scholarship to Arizona State, where he started 31 games as a right tackle.
He was a second-team All-Big 12 offensive lineman last year.” -Nick Baumgardener and Scott DochtermanUSA Today: B“Omar Khan didn’t have too many pressing concerns with his roster, but the outlook at offensive tackle was a little shaky amid Broderick Jones’ recovery from a neck injury. Enter Iheanachor, who’s short on refinement but long on athleticism as a latecomer to football. He provides flexibility in the short and long term, with Troy Fautanu potentially able to slide over to the left side and allow Iheanachor to step in at right tackle if required.” -Michael Middlehurst-SchwartzYahoo Sports: B+“The Steelers had to bring in more offensive line help, and they took a huge swing on potential and talent here with the selection of Iheanachor.
He just started playing football 4-5 years ago in junior college, so even though he’s an older player, he still has a ton of upside here and could be the final piece for the Steelers’ young, talented offensive line.” -Charles McDonaldMost of the media seems to agree that while this is a swing for the Steelers, it is one that could be looked back upon fondly by fans in a few years. While the story of the night became who the Steelers didn’t end up drafting, Iheanachor should bring Pittsburgh some value at a position of need and bring plenty of questions about the health and future of Broderick Jones.
Pittsburgh will have four picks during night two of the NFL Draft at 53rd , 76th, 85th , and 99th overall.What grade would you give the Steelers first round selection Max Iheanachor? Join the BTSC community and let us know in the comments below!