After the Steelers declined Broderick Jones' option, rookie first-rounder Max Iheanachor is refining his hand placement to avoid costly penalties and solidify his role as a Day 1 starter.
The Pittsburgh Steelers took offensive linemen Max Iheanachor with the No. 21 pick in the draft, the second choice for the team with that pick behind wide receiver Makai Lemon, who the Philadelphia Eagles traded up to land right before general manager Omar Khan.
While Iheanachor was the No. 2 option for Pittsburgh, the team believes he will be a future starter for the Steelers at offensive tackle. After declining to pick up the fifth-year option on Broderick Jones, Pittsburgh needs Iheanachor to develop in a big way this season.
During the Steelers rookie minicamp this week, Iheanachor said he's working to learn proper hand movement in the league, something that will take some time for the former Arizona State lineman to figure out.
"Whatever the coaches want, that's what I'll do," said Iheanachor, via the Steelers. "Really everything. More hand placement still, just trying to just get that figured out. But really everything, steps, pass pro, run block."
Iheanachor entered the draft needing to improve in that area, as he needs to learn to keep his hands from targeting shoulder pads, leading to holding penalties.
The first-round pick enjoyed rookie minicamp, his first real taste of NFL practice.
"It's been fun being out here with the new guys, all just getting to know each other throughout this whole process," said Iheanachor. "It's fun coming out here and going to work with them.
"It's a blessing to be out here. First time putting on the jersey, running out there on the field. It didn't feel real. Being able to start getting to work in and just soaking in the moment and just being grateful to be here."
Iheanachor's next practices should be more exciting and more important during voluntary minicamp. With Jones still recovering from his injury, Iheanachor could be asked to take a serious role in Year 1, holding down the left tackle position.
Per Our Lads, Dylan Cook is listed as the backup to Jones, but that could change when reporters see who's working with who during voluntary minicamp. As a first round pick, Iheanachor should take on a large responsibility in his first offseason.