Steelers legend Casey Hampton expresses concerns over first-round pick Max Iheanachor, suggesting he may be more of a project than an immediate contributor. Hampton prefers a more NFL-ready prospect for a first-round selection.
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The Pittsburgh Steelers left many surprised following the first-round selection of Max Iheanachor in the 2026 NFL Draft. And while some fans have grown to love the pick, one Steelers legend isn't completely sold on the fit.
On a recent episode of the Deebo & Joe Podcast, Steelers legend Casey Hampton claimed that Iheanachor was more of a "project" at pick No. 21, and he would've preferred a first-round prospect who's NFL-ready.
"With the first-round pick, and I don't watch film, but with football only being played the last five years, I know that's a project," Hampton said. "Just with me, I like with my first-round pick, I want that guy to be a guy. [Iheanachor] can definitely develop to be a guy, he has all the intangibles, but I think there's gonna be some work to see how he develops and see how he's gonna be."
Iheanachor began playing football in 2021 at East Los Angeles College, a public community college. He transferred to Arizona State in 2023 and went on to appear in 32 games, along with 31 starts during his final three collegiate seasons.
Possessing a rare blend of quickness and play strength, Iheanachor could easily emerge as arguably the top offensive tackle in his class â but the Steelers coaching staff will definitely play a huge role in making that dream a reality.
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Casey Hampton criticized the pick because he believes Iheanachor is more of a project and not NFL-ready, preferring a first-round prospect who can contribute immediately.
Max Iheanachor began playing football in 2021 at East Los Angeles College and transferred to Arizona State in 2023, where he started 31 out of 32 games in his final three seasons.
Hampton acknowledged that while Iheanachor has the intangibles to develop into a strong player, significant work is needed to see how he will progress in the NFL.
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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers' Casey Hampton not sold on Max Iheanachor pick