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Steelers Draft Max Iheanachor No. 21, Praise Speed

4/26/2026

31 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Steelers Draft Iheanachor

The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Max Iheanachor at No. 21 on April 25, 2026.
The Steelers had targeted USC receiver Makai Lemon, but the Eagles selected him at No. 20.
General Manager Omar Khan said the team did not want to trade away from this player.
Coach Mike McCarthy said Iheanachor is an incredible fit.
Coach James Campen noted his 4.91-second 40-yard dash, 1.73-second split, and 3.1% pressure allowed.

Summary

Iheanachor Arrives

Max Iheanachor arrived in Pittsburgh on Friday, April 24 2026, after a flight from Los Angeles and was greeted by fans.
He said his parents moved from Nigeria when he was 13 to seek education.
An AAU coach urged him to try football, which led him to junior college and All-Big 12 honors.
Iheanachor thanked God for his journey, calling his draft selection “just God” and saying nothing would be possible without that faith.

History

Historical Context

When the New York Giants chose Nigerian-born defensive end Osi Umenyiora with the 56th pick in the 2003 NFL Draft, he later earned two Pro Bowl selections, marking an early African impact in the league. Sixteen years later, on April 25 2026, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Nigerian tight end Max Iheanachor 21st overall, signaling the NFL’s growing pipeline from Africa.

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Steelers Draft Iheanachor

The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Max Iheanachor at No. 21 on April 25, 2026.
The Steelers had targeted USC receiver Makai Lemon, but the Eagles selected him at No. 20.
General Manager Omar Khan said the team did not want to trade away from this player.
Coach Mike McCarthy said Iheanachor is an incredible fit.
Coach James Campen noted his 4.91-second 40-yard dash, 1.73-second split, and 3.1% pressure allowed.

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