Steelers Now
The Pittsburgh Steelers have now used a first-round pick on an offensive tackle in three of the last four drafts, this time selecting Max Iheanachor out of Arizona State. While Iheanachor possesses tremendous raw upside considering he only began playing football a few years ago, there are also legitimate concerns surrounding the investment, especially for a team with immediate playoff aspirations.
Former NFL general manager and current analyst Ran Carthon echoed those concerns during his On With the First Pick podcast.
“If he’s thrust out there too early, I think he’s going to deal with some real struggles, which I know will give Aaron Rodgers fits,” Carthon said.
Carthon’s assessment may sound harsh, but it is far from unreasonable. Iheanachor certainly has the physical tools teams look for in a franchise left tackle, yet playing the position at the NFL level requires far more than size and athleticism. His technique, consistency, and overall refinement still need considerable development before he can be counted on as a reliable starter.
While Iheanachor made tremendous strides during his time at Arizona State, his film did not necessarily reflect that of a polished Day 1 first-round tackle. Across his collegiate career, he committed 16 penalties and finished with a 72.0 PFF grade during his final season, illustrating that while the physical tools are undeniable, there is still significant refinement needed before he reaches his full potential at the NFL level.
Much of Iheanachor’s rise up draft boards came from his rare athletic profile, an impressive NFL Combine, and a strong Senior Bowl performance. There is certainly value in selecting prospects with that type of ceiling. If developed properly, players like Iheanachor can become not only quality starters but some of the best at their position.
The question, however, is whether this was the right investment for Pittsburgh’s current timeline. The Steelers are clearly operating in a win-now window with Aaron Rodgers under center, making it fair to wonder whether they can afford to wait for a first-round pick who may not be ready to contribute at the level typically expected from a Day 1 selection. If Carthon’s concerns prove accurate, Pittsburgh may find itself balancing its long-term investment against its short-term championship aspirations.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Former NFL GM Raises Concern About Steelers’ First-Round Pick Max Iheanachor
