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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<\/p>\n
\n Ross D. Franklin\n <\/p>\n
The Pittsburgh Steelers<\/a> took Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanachor with the 21st overall pick in the NFL draft Thursday.<\/p>\n They sat pat during a sometimes-confounding first 20 picks \u2014 including the Las Angeles Rams taking Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s got lots of athletic ability but scouts believe he needs more technical refinement.<\/p>\n It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n North Catholic\u2019s Simon Sharpless and Seneca Valley\u2019s Madi Barnyk were on stage as winners of the Jerome Bettis Leadership Award<\/a> when NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced the pick.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Related Article: These Seneca Valley, North Catholic flag football stars will be at the NFL draft for the Steelers\u2019 pick<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Raiders take QB Fernando Mendoza No. 1 as expected<\/p>\n Fernando Mendoza\u2019s journey from overlooked two-star recruit to the top of the NFL draft<\/a> is complete after the Las Vegas Raiders took him with the first pick.<\/p>\n Turning the Raiders<\/a> into a contender is the next challenge for the Heisman Trophy winner who led Indiana to its first national championship.<\/p>\n The 22-year-old quarterback<\/a> wasn\u2019t in the Steel City for the festivities, choosing instead to celebrate with family and friends at home in Miami.<\/p>\n \u201cThe last five months have been such a blessing by God, and I can\u2019t thank Him enough,” Mendoza said. “I\u2019m just looking forward to get to work, prove it at the next level. College was fantastic. I\u2019m 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.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Related Article: NFL Draft 2026 in Pittsburgh: Everything to know about parking, travel, watching, impact, and more<\/p>\n <\/a> Related Article: More local flavor? 7 Pittsburgh-area prospects who could be taken in 2026 NFL Draft or signed after<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n What did the rest of the AFC North do?<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Cincinnati previously traded away No. 10 to the Giants for DT Dexter Lawrence.<\/p>\n The Ravens took Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane at No. 14.<\/p>\n Other highlights from the first 10 picks<\/p>\n
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