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The Pittsburgh Steelers had their eyes on drafting a Week 1 starter in the first round when they called wide receiver Makai Lemon.
Lemon would have been a much-needed boost to the receiver corps for Aaron Rodgers (when he eventually signed before OTAs in May), but the Philadelphia Eagles traded up to take him before the Steelers were on the clock.
Pittsburgh pivoted to another need on offense, taking offensive tackle Max Iheanachor out of Arizona State at pick No.
21.
Offensive tackle was a need for the Steelers amid uncertainty with Broderick Jones, but it doesn't appear Iheanachor will be a solution to start at tackle if Jones cannot play.
More News: Texas HC Steve Sarkisian Slams Ole Miss for Basket Weaving Degree More News: FIFA Under Fire For Defending Attendance For World Cup Match Per Brooke Pryor of ESPN, Iheanachor hasn't had reps with the first-team unit during OTAs, and is seen more as a "developmental" project this year.
"Despite the Steelers missing left tackle Broderick Jones as he recovers from a season-ending neck injury and offseason surgery, Iheanachor hasn't cracked the starting lineup through OTAs and minicamp," Pryor wrote.
"That isn't a surprise, though, because he's largely seen as a developmental player.
"He has played football for less than five years but has intangibles and measurables that give him tremendous upside." In the meantime, the Steelers moved Troy Fautanu to left tackle and Dylan Cook to right tackle.
Pittsburgh's staff suggested Iheanachor would getsreps on the interior part of the offensive line during the offseason.
The coaching staff believes giving Iheanachor time to adjust to the NFL before playing will help his career.
"He's very smart.
He has the luxury of having good players in front of him, so he doesn't have to start from square one," Steelers offensive line coach James Campen said.
"And I think that's always a bonus for a younger player, but his athleticism that we saw on tape and all that stuff is what it is." While Iheanachor may not start in Week 1, he'll still give the Steelers some insurance if Jones is not ready to play early in the regular season.
At the very least, Iheanachor should be able to fill in as a swing tackle.
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