How an initial 2026 NFL Draft embarrassment actually ended up benefitting the Steelers

October 13, 2026

The Pittsburgh Steelers turned a draft night into a tangible on‑field benefit by Week 3 of the 2026 NFL season, when rookie right tackle Max Iheanachor helped the team post 411 total yards and 30 points in a victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. The 20th‑overall pick, Makai Lemon, was taken by the Philadelphia Eagles after they traded with the Dallas Cowboys, while the Steelers held the 47th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and selected Iheanachor.

Iheanachor, a Nigerian‑born player who moved to the United States at age 13, progressed from East Los Angeles College in 2021 to Arizona State in 2023, earning second‑team All‑Big 12 honors in 2025 before entering the NFL draft.

The Pittsburgh Steelers traded Broderick Jones to the Dallas Cowboys. Iheanachor arrived in Pittsburgh with a training‑camp injury, but head coach McCarthy noted after the Bengals win, “His injury was a setback in training camp, but he's ready.

It was time to give him that opportunity.” The rookie’s presence on the line coincided with a marked improvement in offensive production. Since becoming the starting right tackle, the Steelers have averaged 29.3 points, 375 total yards and 119 rushing yards per game, a rise from the 11.5 points, 249.5 yards and 74.5 rushing yards the offense managed in the opening two contests.

McCarthy praised Iheanachor’s impact, stating, “Max is a talented young man. I think that's evident.” The statistical jump underscores the immediate contribution of the rookie lineman.

The team’s offensive turnaround is directly linked to Iheanachor’s integration into the starting lineup, validating the Steelers’ decision to draft him.

This report also draws on coverage from Yahoo Sports, Fox Sports, ESPN.