By; Jeremy T. Ballreich
In a class full of polished technicians and long-time starters, Max Iheanachor stands out as a raw, ascending force — a high-upside offensive tackle with rare movement skills, elite length, and a background that screams developmental gold. A former JUCO standout who didn’t start playing football until 2021, Iheanachor enters the 2026 NFL Draft as one of the most physically gifted linemen in the class — and one whose ceiling could rival any tackle in the top 50.
Born in Nigeria and raised in Los Angeles, Iheanachor’s athletic journey began on the soccer pitch and basketball court. He didn’t strap on pads until East Los Angeles College, where his size and agility quickly turned heads. After transferring to Arizona State, he started 19 games at right tackle over two seasons, earning Second-Team All-Big 12 honors in 2025 and an invite to the Senior Bowl, where he impressed scouts with his physicality and coachability.
At 6’6” and 330 pounds, Iheanachor has prototype size for an NFL tackle. His 34.25-inch arms and 9⅜-inch hands meet all pro thresholds, and his frame carries weight with balance and density. He looks the part — long, powerful, and athletic. His 5.15 forty is solid for his size, and his movement skills are even more impressive on tape than in testing. He’s fluid in space, light on his feet, and shows the ability to mirror edge rushers with natural body control.
Iheanachor’s best trait is his blocking range. He covers ground effortlessly, whether pulling across the formation, climbing to the second level, or setting out wide in pass protection. On screens and perimeter runs, he’s a weapon — able to locate, engage, and finish in space. His background in basketball shows up in his footwork and balance, and his ability to redirect mid-rep is rare for a player with his size.
In pass protection, Iheanachor flashes elite recovery traits. He’s still learning how to time his punch and maintain consistent hand placement, but when he’s in rhythm, he’s tough to beat. His length allows him to control rushers early, and his lateral agility gives him a chance to recover even when he’s out of phase. He’s not a finished product, but the flashes are loud — and against top competition, he’s held his own.
One of the most encouraging signs came during Senior Bowl practices, where Iheanachor reportedly improved each day, absorbing coaching and adjusting his technique. He went viral for a rep against Michigan EDGE Derrick Moore, where he anchored, reset, and finished with violence. That moment — and the growth it represented — is exactly what NFL teams want to see from a developmental tackle.
In the run game, Iheanachor is a platform blocker with upside. He takes good angles, maintains posture, and plays with bend. He’s not a road-grader yet, but he’s functional and improving. His hand strength is solid, and when he locks on, he can torque defenders out of gaps. He’s especially effective in zone schemes, where his mobility and landmark awareness allow him to reach and seal with consistency.
There are limitations. Iheanachor’s footwork and leverage are still developing. He can play too tall at times, and his pad level fluctuates, especially late in games. His hand timing is inconsistent — he’ll miss his strike zone or get caught leaning. He’s also relatively new to the game, which means his mental processing and blitz recognition need refinement. He’s not plug-and-play, and early reps may come with growing pains.
But the upside is undeniable. Iheanachor has the tools to become a starting NFL tackle, and in the right system with veteran coaching, he could develop into a high-level pass protector. His physical traits — size, length, movement — are all above average, and his trajectory suggests he’s still climbing. Teams that value traits and are willing to invest in development will see a lot to like.
Projection: Round 2–3 Role: Developmental swing tackle with starter upside Scheme Fits: Zone-heavy run schemes, wide sets, athletic OL systems
Max Iheanachor may not be the most polished tackle in the class, but he’s one of the most intriguing. He’s raw, powerful, and ascending — a JUCO-to-Senior Bowl riser with the kind of traits that don’t come around often. For teams willing to bet on upside, he’s a swing-for-the-fence pick with starter potential.
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