First Round Recap: Steelers prioritize trenches, think long-term with Offensive Tackle

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.