IPL 2026: 'You can bowl this too, right?' - R Ashwin questions Hardik Pandya's death-over call
R Ashwin critiques Hardik Pandya's decision-making in IPL 2026 after a loss to CSK.
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected offensive tackle Max Iheanachor in the first round of the draft, indicating concerns over Broderick Jones' neck injury. This choice reflects a strategic focus on strengthening their offensive line for the future.
2026 marked the third time in four years the Pittsburgh Steelers went with an offensive tackle, this time likely indicating that current starting left tackle Broderick Jones' neck injury is worse than it appears, and a contingency plan needs to be in place moving forward. Many draft experts, analysts, and fans expected the team to take a wide receiver or safety with the way the board materialized by the 21st pick. Prospects such as Dillon Thieneman of Oregon and Omar Cooper Jr. from Indiana were both still available, yet the Steelers opted to solidify the trenches even more after Makai Lemon was picked by the Philadelphia Eagles at 20th overall. Max Iheanachor, out of Arizona State, ended up being their first-round selection.
What exactly is the logic behind the pick? A multitude of reasons, so let's unpack them one by one. First off, Jones is a true wild card at this point in his career, and a neck injury could derail that all the more. It's a risky proposition to bank on him being fully healthy and regaining full control and power in his upper limbs. Even if he is somehow healthy enough by week 1, it's hard to envision him starting (let alone for an entire season), assuming Iheanachor plays his natural spot at right tackle, then forcing Troy Fautanu to slide over to left tackle. This gives them positional flexibility and versatility at both tackle spots, as Fautanu is an ascending starter in this league with eventual all-pro potential.
Secondly, Pittsburgh recognized there was a major run on offensive tackles flying off the board before they could make their selection. If they decided to wait, there'd be a steep drop-off in terms of starting worthy tackles later on (especially Day Two). Ihenachor was quickly climbing up draft boards and becoming more of a household name, as his stellar Senior Bowl performance firmly cemented this. Despite being a bit raw, there's a lot to like about his profile, ranging from size, athleticism, continually improved play, and a ceiling considered by many to be one of, if not the highest, for a tackle in this class. Technically raw, but his athletic traits are top-notch.
The Steelers selected Max Iheanachor to address concerns over Broderick Jones' neck injury and to solidify their offensive line.
Max Iheanachor is known for his size, athleticism, zone blocking skills, and potential for high-level performance despite needing technical improvements.
Broderick Jones' neck injury raises concerns about his availability, prompting the Steelers to secure a reliable contingency plan with Iheanachor.
Before selecting a tackle, the Steelers were expected to consider positions like wide receiver or safety, given the draft board's layout.
R Ashwin critiques Hardik Pandya's decision-making in IPL 2026 after a loss to CSK.
Ekitike's injury may not be as severe as initially thought.
Glasner sends Liverpool a warning ahead of Anfield clash with Crystal Palace.
2026 NFL Draft Round 1: Surprises and Betting Insights
Catch Ligue 1+ matches for free on OneFootball this weekend! ๐ซ๐ท๐ฑ
Unai Emery on Aston Villa's consistency and facing Fulham
See every story in Sports โ including breaking news and analysis.
Iheanachor possesses effective zone blocking skills, prototypical range mirroring speed rushers, loose hips and elite foot speed, exceptional ability to recover/readjust, can move very well laterally on reach blocks, has a massive frame built with a sturdy anchor, and is nasty at the point of contact. He does need to improve his technique in areas such as hand timing on stunts and blitzes, punch placement, pad level on drive blocks, balance issues in pass protection, waist-bending, and having more of a mauler mentality. Despite all that, offensive line coaches James Campen and Jahri Evans on Mike McCarthy's staff are drooling at the mouth getting a chance to work with a guy this sound trait-wise in the long-run.
Lastly, having all five positions along your offensive line addressed and taken care of before your next franchise quarterback likely arrives in 2027 is a great recipe for success. Protecting your greatest asset and keeping him upright matters a lot more than people think, as without a solid foundation already in place, it's rather difficult to win when a quarterback has to get the ball out so fast and can't take very many hits, knowing edge rushers, interior defensive linemen, and linebackers are beating your offensive line with relative ease. The Steelers are thinking bigger picture here with this pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, as legitimate playoff-contending offenses don't come together in just one draft class. Excelling at run blocking, pass protection, rushing efficiency, sacks/pressures allowed, these are all things the best teams in the NFL currently have in place, and that is exactly what Pittsburgh is attempting to model here.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers invest into the trenches once more, likely setting up a first round quarterback selection in 2027