Make no mistake about it, the Pittsburgh Steelers are in a win-now window. That was very evident from their offseason moves, especially when you bring back a 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers. But that wasn’t the only decision that signaled that.
Trading for Michael Pittman Jr. and adding Jamel Dean in free agency are both moves that show Pittsburgh is ready to win now. After winning the AFC North last offseason, it’s clear that the Steelers believe they can take the next step in the conference.
Is that wise or foolish? We all have our opinions, but at least they picked a direction.
But one decision appears to be counterintuitive to the goal of winning now: the selection of Max Iheanachor in Round 1. There is no doubt that Pittsburgh had a need at tackle, especially with the status of Broderick Jones. But they picked an offensive lineman who needs a lot of seasoning. Will he be forced onto the field right away because of his draft status? Don’t bet on it.
Max Iheanachor may not start for the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 1
In a recent article by ESPN, they asked their 32 beat reporters to write about each team’s first-round pick and how they performed in offseason workouts. Brooke Pryor was tasked with writing about Iheanachor, and she revealed some fascinating insight regarding Pittsburgh’s top pick:
“Despite the Steelers missing left tackle Broderick Jones as he recovers from a season-ending neck injury and offseason surgery, Iheanachor hasn't cracked the starting lineup through OTAs and minicamp. That isn't a surprise, though, because he's largely seen as a developmental player. He has played football for less than five years but has intangibles and measurables that give him tremendous upside.”
Mike McCarthy generally forces draft picks to earn their spot in the starting lineup, so this shouldn’t be a big surprise. A similar situation played out during McCarthy’s final year in Dallas after the Cowboys selected Tyler Guyton in Round 1.
McCarthy used veteran Chuma Edoga in the starting lineup during offseason workouts and made the two players compete during camp. Edoga was set to become the Week 1 starter, but a late camp injury forced Guyton onto the field before he was ready.
McCarthy likely won’t want the same scenario to play out in Pittsburgh, and that’s why we shouldn’t be surprised if Iheanachor isn’t starting in Week 1 against the Falcons. But that doesn’t mean he won’t play.
One thing we’ve learned from McCarthy during his time in Green Bay and in Dallas is that he has no problem rotating offensive linemen midgame. That is a very different approach from what we’ve seen in Pittsburgh over the last few years, but McCarthy has no issue rotating offensive linemen after every series to help the backups develop.
The reasoning is actually pretty sound.
Giving key backups chances to play on Sundays better prepares them for when they have to start. And that’s partially why his offensive lines have been so good in both Dallas and Green Bay. That doesn’t mean his philosophy is flawless, as it does take away from the continuity of the unit. However, it can help a player like Iheanachor get some valuable reps before he might be ready to become a full-time starter.
We shall see if Iheanachor earns the starting right tackle job in training camp, and you can bet that if it’s close, Pittsburgh will break ties in favor of their first-round pick. But don’t expect him to be on the field before he is ready. They are clearly taking the long-view approach here, and that’s exactly what they should do.
Putting a developmental offensive lineman on the field before he is ready can destroy his confidence and stunt his growth. And that’s the last thing Pittsburgh can afford right now.
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