Steelers Take ASU Star Tackle in CBS Sports Mock Draft

Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

With the 2026 NFL Draft less than a month away, there is still little certainty about which direction the Pittsburgh Steelers will take.

For much of the offseason, many draft analysts have linked the team to either a receiver—such as Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson—or a quarterback in the first round, namely Alabama’s Ty Simpson. Both positions make sense on paper: the Steelers could use another dynamic playmaker on the perimeter, and the long-term future at quarterback remains unsettled.

However, with lingering questions on the left side of the offensive line following Broderick Jones’ neck procedure and Isaac Seumalo’s departure, there is a real possibility the team could once again invest in the trenches in the first round for a fourth consecutive draft. Protecting the quarterback has been a recurring theme for Pittsburgh in recent years, and the current uncertainty only amplifies that need.

In his latest mock draft for CBS Sports, analyst Josh Edwards projected the Steelers to select rising offensive tackle Max Iheanachor out of Arizona State. His reasoning partly stems from the acquisition of Michael Pittman Jr., which could lead the team to pass on a receiver in the first round. Additionally, the arrival of Iheanachor could allow 2024 first-round pick Troy Fautanu to return to his natural position on the left side—assuming Jones is unable to play this upcoming season. Such a move would give Pittsburgh more stability up front and potentially solidify the offensive line for years to come.

"They could still conceivably draft a receiver despite acquiring Michael Pittman Jr. Troy Fautanu could move back to the left side and allow Max Iheanachor to play his more natural position."

This offseason has seen Max Iheanachor’s draft stock skyrocket following his standout performance in the Panini Senior Bowl in January. His combination of size, athleticism, and technical refinement has drawn praise from scouts across the league. Last season with the Sun Devils, he earned second-team All-Big 12 honors.

Across 860 offensive snaps, Iheanachor surrendered zero sacks, allowed just 14 total pressures, and gave up only three quarterback hits—numbers that highlight his reliability in pass protection and his potential to anchor an NFL offensive line. As draft day approaches, he has firmly positioned himself as one of the fastest-rising offensive line prospects in the class.