2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Max Iheanachor (OT – Arizona State)

FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at Arizona State OT Max Iheanachor.

2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Max Iheanachor

Max Iheanachor (OT – Arizona State)

6’6″ – 330 lbs.

Background

Had never played football before college, originally attending East Los Angeles Collage for two years (2021-2022). Ended up transferring to Arizona State after that, where he started five games at right tackle in 2023 (zero sacks, two hits, thirteen hurries, or 0-2-13). Took over the full-time starting right tackle job the next year, allowing 3-3-15 in 2024 and 0-3-11 in 2025 to conclude his collegiate career.

Positives

Massive tackle who’s relatively new to football but already put together two pretty good seasons as a starter. Effective wall-off player in the team’s gap-heavy rushing attack; relies on his natural strength, especially in the lower body, to secure rushing lanes. Has underrated quickness and understanding of positioning, especially for a relative newcomer to the position. Shows impressive grip strength and eliminates opponents from the play when he gets into the chest straps. Works hard through the whistle. Plays with a wide, stable base in pass protection. Drops a very early anchor against power, looking very comfortable dealing with bull-rushers. Takes a cab drive to get around, and has more lateral quickness than you’d expect to protect the edge against speed; the team felt comfortable leaving him on an island on passing downs. Active with his hands and generally does a good job of waiting until opponents get into his frame to fire out.

Negatives

Aside from four snaps, has only played right tackle for the Sun Devils. Range as a blocker is limited; much more of a phone-booth player. Feet can sometimes stop on contact, which limits his ability to sustain at times. Temperament looked more workmanlike than nasty. Still developing his ability to recognize stunts and twists up front; can catch him helping the right guard while another defender gets an open lane around the edge. Can sometimes catch and ride in pass protection, rather than firing out accurate punches to the chest plate. Works hard, but struggles to get out in space and secure blocks in the screen game. Has been somewhat penalty-prone throughout his career, being flagged eight times this past season.

Summary

A huge, very thickly-built right tackle who’s relatively new to the position but uses his excellent natural strength and surprising quickness to effectively wall off opponents in the run game, and to protect the edge on passing downs. While his late transition to football sometimes shows up in a lack of awareness against stunts/twists/blitzes up front, and while he doesn’t have the most range or versatility as a run blocker, there are some starting-level tools here for a gap-based scheme. Looks like he’ll get some second-day consideration.

Projection: Round 2-3