Iheanachor has a distinctive college ascent, rising from junior college football at East Los Angeles College to becoming a standout lineman at Arizona State. He originally aligned as a tight end and shifted to the offensive line in 2022, where his development quickly drew attention from NFL evaluators.
At ASU, injuries helped accelerate his opportunities, and he seized them. He started five of six games early in his Sun Devils tenure, logging more than 300 snaps without surrendering a sack, a precursor to his expanded role in 2024.
The 2024 season marked a breakout for Iheanachor, who started all 14 games at right tackle as part of a productive offensive line that opened lanes for the running game and protected the quarterback. He allowed only three sacks and accumulated 923 snaps, underscoring his durability and consistency.
In his senior year, Iheanachor earned Second-Team All-Big 12 honors after contributing zero sacks on 484 pass-blocking snaps, with a 98.5% pressure efficiency rate and minimal quarterback disruption (11 hurries and three hits). These metrics highlight his balance of strength and technique in pass protection.
From a Patriots perspective, the line group is a key area of focus, with Morgan Moses expected back but at age 35, the team may be looking for a longer-term anchor at tackle. The Patriots have hosted multiple Top 30 visits and are weighing several directions as the first round nears, including the potential addition of a versatile blocker who can grow into a cornerstone on the edge.
Overall, Iheanachor’s combination of developmental trajectory, improving pass protection, and durability makes him a notable option for a team intent on fortifying the trenches. The coming days will clarify whether New England views him as a fit for its current needs and long-term plans.
