The Pittsburgh Steelers are accustomed to being under the microscope. When negative feedback surfaced after their first-round pick, Mike McCarthy refused to hide. Instead, he doubled down on the franchise’s decision to invest the 21st overall selection in Max Iheanachor on The Rich Eisen Show.
His insight was enough to reshape some of the premature opinions surrounding Pittsburgh’s new offensive cornerstone.
“I think he’s an incredible fit for our offensive line group, which I’m very high on already,” McCarthy shared with host Rich Eisen. “Max is a great fit for us.”
Offensive linemen are not splashy, even when they are multi-sport athletes. Still, an agile six-foot-six frame helped the Nigerian native stand out on a board filled with offensive weapons and defensive stars. He was a three-year starter at Arizona State, with American football initially serving as a secondary sport.
Even so, the second-team All-Big 12 bruiser managed to shine among high-value wideouts like Omar Cooper Jr. and KC Concepcion.
A tremendous ceiling was enough for Omar Khan’s front office to make the call. After the Eagles poached Makai Lemon with the 20th overall pick, Pittsburgh pivoted. The baton swap between sneaky NFC East rivals did not seem to bother McCarthy, who expressed his belief in Iheanachor.
“I think the Good Lord always works his magic, and Max is with us,” he said confidently. “We’re right where we need to be.”
And maybe that is true.
Mike McCarthy shared the undeniable truth about the Pittsburgh Steelers first round selection
The frustration of watching Pittsburgh pass on a dynamic wide receiver is difficult to ignore.
However, the picture becomes clearer when evaluating Iheanachor’s potential. According to Teamworks' Andrew Shaver, Iheanachor allowed just a 3.1 percent overall pressure rate and a 1.6 percent rate without stunts last season. Those numbers ranked among the lowest in the FBS for offensive tackles with at least 100 pass-blocking snaps.
His ability to hold off promising edge rushers and consistently win his matchups is encouraging. Then there is the film against the second overall pick, David Bailey. Iheanachor’s performance was not flawless, but it showcased his raw strength and untapped potential. Moments like that help explain why Pittsburgh was willing to take a chance.
It was enough to calm my initial frustration and replace it with cautious optimism for what could come next.
There is a method behind Pittsburgh’s first-round madness. Omar Khan’s front office has made it clear they are working with a plan. How effective that plan will be is still uncertain, but the direction is starting to take shape.
With Broderick Jones’ future still somewhat uncertain, adding a player with Iheanachor’s upside could prove to be a smart long-term investment. It may not have been the flashy pick many expected, but it was one rooted in necessity and projection.
“You can’t have enough big men in your building,” McCarthy explained to Eisen. That mindset has defined successful teams for decades, and it is clearly influencing Pittsburgh’s approach.
So while the selection may have come as a surprise, it is far too early to label it a mistake. If Iheanachor develops the way the Steelers believe he can, this pick could eventually be viewed in a very different light.
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