Pittsburgh faced criticism after the Eagles drafted ahead, but the Steelers selected offensive tackle Max Iheanachor and signaled he’s set for right tackle.
A fast turn in the NFL draft tells a clear story for the Pittsburgh Steelers: after criticism about how the board fell, the team moved decisively on its offensive line.
Pittsburgh drew backlash when the Philadelphia Eagles jumped ahead and selected wide receiver Makai Lemon out of USC just before the Steelers were on the clock. With the draft proceeding, the Steelers then used the No. 21 pick to select offensive lineman Max Iheanachor.
Saturday afternoon, Iheanachor told reporters that the Steelers informed him he will be playing right tackle. That message matters because it suggests the organization is not treating the pick as a temporary project or a position “maybe later,” but as a plan with a likely endpoint.
In this context. the most plausible path is a reshaping of the Steelers’ existing starting lineup: former right tackle Troy Fautanu could shift to left tackle. while former first-round pick Broderick Jones—currently the team’s projected left tackle—would find himself out of the job.. The Steelers have options across their offensive line. but the plan implied by Iheanachor’s assignment points toward a specific draft-to-roster fit.
The situation also intersects with Jones’ injury history.. Jones. who is set to turn 25 next month. suffered a season-ending neck injury in a Week 12 loss to the Chicago Bears.. He has undergone offseason surgery. and while the team continues to describe his recovery as on track. ESPN’s Adam Schefter previously reported that Jones had experienced a setback during the offseason.
When asked whether Jones’ injury and recovery played a role in the selection of Iheanachor. Steelers general manager Omar Khan acknowledged that it is at least part of the concern. saying “sure. that’s a little bit of a concern.” He also emphasized the organization’s broader philosophy and depth along the offensive line. pointing to versatility as a reason the team is prepared to adapt.
Khan further said the Steelers have linemen who can play multiple positions and that the team has “options,” reinforcing the idea that even if the initial plan is clear, the roster can still flex depending on health and performance.
For now. the Steelers’ decision reads as a balancing act: address immediate offensive tackle needs while maintaining flexibility in case recovery timelines shift.. If Jones’ rehab proceeds as planned. the Steelers’ internal discussion around positions could become a competitive. rather than purely rotational. situation.
That’s why Iheanachor’s stated right-tackle role stands out. It signals that Pittsburgh believes it has secured a cornerstone for the line now, even while it waits for key pieces to return from injury.
As the offseason continues, the Steelers will likely keep leaning on the versatility Khan described, while fans watch to see whether Jones returns and how Fautanu’s position changes—and whether the new alignment translates into a smoother offensive identity.
Pittsburgh Steelers Max Iheanachor offensive line Broderick Jones injury Omar Khan right tackle