Could Max Iheanachor Be the Giants’ Next Bookend Tackle?
As the New York Giants head into the offseason, one of the biggest questions on the table is the future of their offensive line - specifically, whether they need to address the right tackle position. It's not a glaring hole at the moment, but it’s certainly a spot worth watching, especially with the NFL Draft around the corner. And if they’re thinking long-term, Arizona State’s Max Iheanachor deserves a serious look.
This isn’t your typical draft prospect. Iheanachor’s journey to this point is anything but conventional.
Born in Nigeria, he moved to the United States at 13, growing up playing basketball and soccer. Football didn’t enter the picture until 2021, when he walked on at East Los Angeles College.
Just two years later, he was starting at right tackle for Arizona State - and turning heads while doing it.
Let’s break down why Iheanachor is one of the more intriguing offensive linemen in this year’s class - and why he might just be a perfect fit for Big Blue.
Built Like a Prototype, Moves Like a Guard
At 6-foot-5 and change, 325 pounds, and with 34.5-inch arms, Iheanachor checks every box physically. But what makes him stand out isn’t just the size - it’s how he moves.
Former basketball and soccer players don’t typically carry 325 pounds like this. His foot quickness is rare, even among NFL tackles, and it shows up consistently on tape.
He’s fluid in pass protection, able to mirror speed rushers off the edge without overextending. He’s also got the agility to handle stunts and blitzes - the kind of stuff that eats up inexperienced linemen.
But Iheanachor stays calm, balanced, and efficient. He doesn’t need to overset to protect the arc, and when he pulls, he gets to his landmarks with ease.
You can see the athleticism in how he moves laterally in zone schemes or climbs to the second level - he’s not just getting there, he’s arriving with purpose.
And here’s the kicker: he didn’t give up a single sack last season. That’s not just a stat - it’s a sign of steady improvement and a growing understanding of the position.
A Natural Fit for Zone Schemes - and the Giants’ Timeline
Offensive line play in the NFL is all about projection. And while Iheanachor may not be a plug-and-play starter on Day 1, the ceiling here is high. Really high.
He’s already a strong fit for zone-blocking schemes - something the Giants have leaned on - thanks to his lateral mobility and ability to stay in sync with his line. He shows good timing when climbing to the second level and has the coordination to pull and lead on outside runs. That’s a big deal for an offense trying to build consistency on the ground.
Where he still needs work is in man-gap blocking, especially when it comes to leverage and finishing. He doesn’t always play with the kind of downhill nastiness you’d expect from someone with his frame.
He’s not soft by any means, but he’s not yet the type of lineman who’s going to bury defenders or collapse the edge on power runs. That could come with time - and with coaching - but it’s something to watch.
Experience: The Only Real Red Flag
If there’s a knock on Iheanachor, it’s the obvious one: he’s raw. He’s only been playing football for five years and has just one full season at the Power Five level.
That inexperience shows up occasionally in his technique - particularly in how he ties his hands and feet together and maintains leverage throughout a rep. He can lunge into contact at times or dip his head when trying to engage defenders downhill.
But here’s the thing: these are teachable traits. He’s not making mental mistakes or getting overwhelmed physically.
He just hasn’t had the reps yet. With the right coaching staff and a little patience, those rough edges can be smoothed out.
Projection: High Ceiling, Worth the Investment
Iheanachor projects as a starting-caliber right tackle in the NFL. The question is when. He might not be ready to take over a starting job in Week 1, but give him a year to develop behind a veteran or in a rotation, and he could be a long-term answer on the right side.
Some evaluators may be tempted to move him to left tackle because of his athleticism, but that would be a mistake. He’s only played right tackle in college, and trying to rewire his technique for the opposite side would only slow down his development. Keep him where he’s comfortable, and let him grow into the role.
He may fall into the second round due to his inexperience, but don’t be surprised if a team falls in love with the upside and grabs him late in the first. He’s got the kind of traits that can’t be taught - and if he lands in the right situation, he could turn into one of the best tackles in this draft class.
Does He Fit the Giants? Absolutely.
The Giants have their left tackle of the future in Andrew Thomas. But the right side?
That’s still a question mark. Whether they need someone to compete right away or just want to add a developmental piece with serious long-term upside, Iheanachor checks a lot of boxes.
He’s athletic, smart, and still ascending - exactly the kind of player you want to bet on in today’s NFL. If the Giants are thinking about building a dominant offensive line for the future, Max Iheanachor is a name they shouldn’t overlook.