Steelers take Arizona State OT Max Iheanachor in 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh

Eagle Staff Report

April 23, 2026 Last Updated: April 23, 2026 11:12 PM Sports

Arizona State offensive lineman Max Iheanachor, right, participates in a blocking drill with Arizona State offensive lineman Kyle Scott during the school's NFL football Pro Day, Friday, March 27, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz. Associated Press

Ross D. Franklin

The Pittsburgh Steelers took Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanachor with the 21st overall pick in the NFL draft Thursday.

They sat pat during a sometimes-confounding first 20 picks — including the Los Angeles Rams taking Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson.

Pittsburgh had been tied to several linemen and receivers in mock drafts for weeks. They ultimately went lineman, with a two-year starter ranked the No. 7 OT in the draft by The Athletic. He’s got lots of athletic ability but scouts believe he needs more technical refinement.

It’s a good fit for a team that already has starters Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu entrenched at the bookends, although injury issues with Jones put his 2026 season in question.

North Catholic’s Simon Sharpless and Seneca Valley’s Madi Barnyk were on stage as winners of the Jerome Bettis Leadership Award when NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced the pick.

Raiders take QB Fernando Mendoza No. 1 as expected

Fernando Mendoza’s journey from overlooked two-star recruit to the top of the NFL draft is complete after the Las Vegas Raiders took him with the first pick.

Turning the Raiders into a contender is the next challenge for the Heisman Trophy winner who led Indiana to its first national championship.

The 22-year-old quarterback wasn’t in the Steel City for the festivities, choosing instead to celebrate with family and friends at home in Miami.

“The last five months have been such a blessing by God, and I can’t thank Him enough," Mendoza said. "I’m just looking forward to get to work, prove it at the next level. College was fantastic. I’m so blessed to have that career, but now I step into a great game, the NFL. Look forward to proving and earning it every single day.”

What did the rest of the AFC North do?

Cleveland traded down from No. 6 (with Kansas City) to 9, where it took Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano. The Browns also had a pick at 24.

Cincinnati previously traded away No. 10 to the Giants for DT Dexter Lawrence.

The Ravens took Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane at No. 14.

Other highlights from the first 10 picks

The intrigue began at No. 2 with the New York Jets, who selected Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey over Ohio State edge Arvell Reese.

“It’s surreal to me," Bailey said. "It’s an awesome opportunity. I just want to get in there and be a sponge and soak up everything.”

Arizona took Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love with the third pick. Love is the highest-drafted running back since Saquon Barkley went No. 2 to the New York Giants in 2018.

Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate was picked fourth by Tennessee in a surprise move that gives QB Cam Ward — last year’s No. 1 overall pick — a top target.

The Giants took Reese at No. 5, adding a potential elite rusher less than a week after trading three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to Cincinnati. New York then added offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa from Miami at No. 10.

The Chiefs traded up to No. 6 to take LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane. Kansas City sent Cleveland the ninth pick along with Nos. 74 and 148 to move up.

Every pick in the first round of the NFL draft

Here are the first-round picks as of No. 21.

1. Las Vegas, Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

2. N.Y. Jets, David Bailey, LB, Texas Tech

3. Arizona, Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

4. Tennessee, Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

5. N.Y. Giants, Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State

6. Kansas City (from Cleveland), Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

7. Washington, Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

8. New Orleans, Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

9. Cleveland (from Kansas City), Spencer Fano, OT, Utah