Max Iheanachor gives Chiefs intriguing right tackle option on draft's second day

It's getting harder and harder to ignore the smoke around the Chiefs still having interest in the tackle position in the 2026 draft. The team has lots of holes still to fill in the draft, and without tackle being a glaring hole, it can be frustrating to hear that the Chiefs are still looking to invest in the position long term.

With that being said, if the Chiefs are really interested in tackle, it can be much more palatable at pick 29 or pick 40. This class does not have a Joe Alt or even a Darnell Wright-level prospect that's a no-brainer for the Chiefs at pick 9. In which case, they might be better off taking a player who can develop into a starter with the luxury of having Jaylon Moore on the roster as a fail-safe. It would also be ideal for the Chiefs to bring in a right tackle rather than mess with moving Josh Simmons or a prospect who has only played on the left side.

While the process of paying a swing tackle $15 million a year (Jaylon Moore) can be frustrating, if the Chiefs are able to actually pull off two bookend tackles on rookie deals, nobody can be frustrated with those results. Max Iheanachor checks lots of the boxes we mentioned, and he could be the type of player to push Jaylon Moore for playing time in 2026.

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NFL Draft Profile: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State

1. Max Iheanachor's background
2. Max Iheanachor's strengths
3. Max Iheanachor's weaknesses
4. Where does Max Iheanachor fall in the heirarchy of tackles?

Max Iheanachor's background

Height: 6-6

Weight: 321 LBS

Hands: 9 inches

Arms: 33 7/8 inches

Tape Exposure: Baylor (2025), Texas Tech (2025), Utah (2025)

Iheanachor was born in Nigeria and relocated to the United States when he was 13. He went to King/Drew Magnet High School of Medicine and Science, where he was active in soccer and basketball. Even though he had no prior experience with football, he later joined East Los Angeles College with the goal of playing the sport at the collegiate level. After a season of JUCO ball, he committed to Arizona State as a 3-star prospect via 247 Sports. He finished out his three years of eligibility for the Sun Devils.

Max Iheanachor's strengths

Athleticism

Possesses special movement skills for a player of his size. He turned lots of heads at the Senior Bowl for his ability out in space and his smooth kick step in pass protection. 98th percentile 40-yard dash, 84th percentile vertical jump, and 98th percentile broad jump. Natural fit for outside zone schemes.

Pass Protection

Smooth kick steps with active hands; uses space well. Basketball background shows in his lateral agility to mirror and match rushers.

Projection

Tons of traits and good tape for a player who has only played football for four years. Lots of untapped potential and polish to add for a player with tools.

Max Iheanachor's weaknesses

Size

Wouldn't classify him as undersized, but he's not overwhelming in that area. 39th percentile arm length, 2nd percentile hand size, and 50th percentile in height.

Mental Lapses

There are a few head-scratchers on tape where you're not sure who is at fault, but someone comes flying through untouched on his side. He is also a "shover" rather than someone who pushes and engages through the player downfield.

Hands

Besides the lack of length and size, the hands are very much a work in progress. Inconsistent from rep to rep, height varies, and he struggles to counter swipes.

Where does Max Iheanachor fall in the heirarchy of tackles?

If the Chiefs are going to take a tackle that they feel comfortable playing real reps, it's going to need to be with one of their top three picks. The question that remains to be answered is: What are they looking for? Will they want the best true tackle available? Will they seek a starting right tackle? Depth to push Jaylon Moore? Some of the players the Chiefs could take in this range are more natural fits because of their experience on the right side, such as Iheanachor, Spencer Fano, and Blake Miller. He might be the last of the projected starting right tackles taken on Day 1 or Day 2. Something to watch for in the second round.

Max Iheanachor is a big, athletic tackle with fluid movement skills. He shows strong lateral quickness, body control, and the ability to mirror rushers, making him a natural fit for zone schemes. He flashes high upside with effective combo blocking, solid pass protection tools, and the ability to close space on defenders, though his technique and footwork remain inconsistent. Still raw overall, he needs to improve hand placement, leverage, awareness, and anchor strength to become more reliable and avoid penalties.

Round Grade: Red Chip (2nd-round grade)

Shades of: Anton Harrison

Shades of: Anton Harrison