Former NFL general manager Ran Carthon believes the Pittsburgh Steelers should ease first-round pick Max Iheanachor into action rather than starting him immediately. Carthon warned that an early starting role could lead to struggles for the offensive tackle.
Carthon made the comments Wednesday on his With the First Pick podcast. He described Iheanachor as supremely talented yet raw from a fundamental and technique standpoint.
“I think he’s a little further behind all these guys,” Carthon said. “If he’s thrust out there too early, I think he’s going to deal with some real struggles, which I know will give Aaron Rodgers fits.”
Iheanachor began playing football only in 2021 and started 31 of 32 games at Arizona State, logging more than 2,000 snaps. He recorded 16 penalties in college, including eight in 2025.
Carthon suggested that Troy Fautanu could shift to left tackle, allowing Dylan Cook to start at right tackle while Iheanachor develops.