The Pittsburgh Steelers have big plans for their future with 2024 first-round draft pick Troy Fautanu. Fautanu was drafted out of the University of Washington as one of the best offensive tackles and hopes to build a legacy in Pittsburgh. The Steelers have needed help rebuilding their offensive line over the last three seasons, and their recent draft should hopefully finish the that process. After just one week of Organized Team Activities (OTAs), Fautanu has been working hard, but understands he is still a work in progress.
KDKA
Steelers' 2024 first-round draft pick and offensive tackle Troy Fautanu speaks to members of the Pittsburgh media.
Fautanu will be joining Broderick Jones and Dan Moore Jr., who were the Steelers' starting tackles at last season's end. Moore, a 2021 fourth-round pick, and Jones, and 2023 first-rounder, will be competing this offseason with Fautanu. Ideally, Fautanu and Jones will eventually become the two starters for the long run as back to back years of first-rounders. Moore is on the final year of his rookie contract with the Steelers, so his future will play out over the course of this season.
Since Fautanu's arrival, he has continuously preached about his efforts in simply learning the ropes of being in the NFL. He recently shared his experience on the difference between college and professional ball. During an interview segment with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Fautanu explained that he continues to work as an unfinished product.
"I'm just trying to learn as much as I can. You're going to hear that a lot cause I'm not a finished product. I'm trying to get better every single day."
A lot of first-rounders come into the league with the mindset that they're already set, but not Fautanu. His mindset could just simply be reflected off of the Steelers' culture and how head coach Mike Tomlin reassures there is always room for growth.
Steelers.com
Pittsburgh Steelers Troy Fautanu takes a picture after his introductory press conference with Tomlin, Rooney II, Khan, and others.
Fautanu also mentioned in his interview that his first couple days were frustrating, but he is trusting the process and is getting a lot of support from the other guys like Jones and Moore. He proceeded with a laugh about the rookie tasks he has to do here and there.
"I was just out there talking to Dan for like thirty minutes, he's just explaining to me not only technique stuff, but mindset stuff like when you're going against certain d-ends. These guys are very helpful, you know I've still got to do some rookie things by filling up the refrigerator and stuff like that, but they're not just chucking me aside and telling me to figure it out myself."
Fautanu's growth as a player will be one to keep an eye on this offseason, as his role will become vitally important in the near future for the Pittsburgh offense.
Steelers Offensive Success In 2024 Dependant On O-Line Performance
In order for the Steelers to go from one of the worst offenses in the league to one of the better ones, there's no doubt that depends on the improvement of the line. Pittsburgh's passing attack has struggled since Ben Roethlisberger's last season due to the quarterback play and the pass protection.
The rushing attack on the other hand, has only been adequate due to the efforts from the running backs. The run blocking has not been there either. The line surely improved all around last season, but it still is not enough to where the offense can be productive.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers center Zach Frazier takes part in the team's rookie minicamp.
Not only did the Steelers get their second future tackle in Fautanu, they also drafted Zach Frazier who many hope turns into the next Maurkice Pouncey. Frazier is expected to lead the way at center this year for the Steelers, and the Steelers' offense will have a chance to become something special if he and Fautanu can blossom into top tier linemen.
What do you think of Fautanu's comments on his growth? Will he and Frazier eventually lead the way for the Steelers' offensive line? Let us know below.
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