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The Pittsburgh Steelers were extremely excited that their city was hosting the 2026 NFL Draft for the first time in franchise history. Unfortunately for Steelers General Manager Omar Khan and new head coach Mike McCarthy, the first round produced a nightmare, at least from an optics standpoint. By now, it is well known what transpired when Khan was on the phone in the first round with wide receiver Makai Lemon. Khan was seen telling Lemon that he was going to be a Steeler when Lemon asked, “Why are the Philadelphia Eagles calling my phone?”
It quickly became apparent that the Eagles and Dallas Cowboys had pulled off a rare and strange in-division trade that prevented the Steelers from landing Lemon with the 21st overall pick. Khan and McCarthy quickly pivoted to drafting the exciting offensive tackle out of Arizona State, Max Iheanachor. While the optics of the situation ruined the initial reaction from Steeler Nation, time has allowed fans to not only come to terms with what happened but also become excited about Iheanachor’s potential.
The biggest concern surrounding Iheanachor is his lack of experience, especially after what Steelers fans witnessed with Broderick Jones’ development. However, the difference this time is that McCarthy and offensive line coach James Campen won’t mishandle Iheanachor’s development. In fact, they may provide him with one of the best opportunities to grow into a legitimate NFL starter thanks to their experience and coaching ability.
That is exactly why Steelers insider Mark Kaboly believes the offensive line is one of the most pivotal storylines heading into the 2026 season. Kaboly discussed the importance of the unit on 93.7 The Fan on Monday morning, and his comments highlight just how important Iheanachor’s development could be for the Steelers’ future.
"I would say offensive line," Kaboly said as the most critical storyline currently. "They do have a pretty good offensive line coach, pretty good offensive coordinator, pretty good head coach who has been an offensive coordinator. They will come up with some great plans."
After Kaboly revealed that the offensive line is likely the most pivotal storyline to monitor, he was immediately asked a follow-up question regarding whether Iheanachor will earn a starting role as a rookie.
The timing of that decision is the next major question that will begin to get answered once the Steelers put the pads on in Latrobe.
"Yeah, I do," Kaboly said. "Ask me that [if Iheanachor is a starting right tackle at the start of the 2026 season] in about two weeks."
As many football pundits repeat time and time again, evaluating offensive linemen before the pads come on is an extremely difficult task. In the case of Iheanachor, he is a fascinating prospect. He did not grow up playing football, instead spending his younger years as a basketball and soccer player. In junior college, he decided he wanted to chase his dream of playing football, beginning that journey in 2021.
Steelers Could View Iheanachor's Lack Of Experience As A Positive
While his lack of experience can be a concern, it could also be viewed as a positive because he does not have as much wear and tear on his body compared to other offensive linemen his age.
Additionally, he started 31 of his 32 college games, showing that he is not nearly as raw as some may believe. It's clear that if Iheanachor has a strong training camp, he could challenge Dylan Cook for the starting tackle spot.
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