Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Nick Herbig said rookie offensive tackle Max Iheanachor has handled his initial transition to the NFL well during organized team activities and minicamp.
Herbig, who recently signed a contract extension, described the 22-year-old as talented. “A guy that size who can move, has good hands,” Herbig said, according to the team. He added that playing tackle as a rookie is one of the hardest tasks in the league and noted Iheanachor has managed the increased intensity effectively.
Iheanachor, selected after starting more than 30 games at Arizona State, began playing football only five years ago following a background in soccer in Nigeria. Questions about his readiness centered on his relative inexperience, but the mental adjustments required at the professional level are now his primary focus.
He is working under new offensive line coaches James Campen and Jahri Evans. Veterans Dylan Cook and Broderick Jones reduce immediate pressure on the rookie to start. Iheanachor’s next major evaluation will occur when training camp opens in late July.
