The Pittsburgh Steelers made several exciting moves during the 2024 NFL Draft, with perhaps the most thrilling being their first-round selection of Washington offensive lineman Troy Fautanu with the 20th pick. Fautanu was not expected to be available when the Steelers were on the clock, making his selection a no-brainer for the organization.
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Steelers' Troy Fautanu working on drills during OTAs.
This marks back-to-back first-round picks spent on offensive linemen for the Steelers. In the 2023 NFL Draft, the team traded up to draft Broderick Jones. This clearly indicates where the Steelers are investing in terms of their youth, focusing on improving their offensive line through the draft.
Fautanu arrives in Pittsburgh with high expectations. While it is uncertain if he will start on the line as a rookie, Steelers fans are hopeful. The team was patient with Jones, and they may follow a similar approach with Fautanu. However, he could also be an immediate starter. As Fautanu began participating in the 2024 Organized Team Activities, he spoke with Tim Benz of Trib-Live about a specific flaw in his game that he is working hard to improve.
“You constantly push off one leg thousands and thousands of times. Then you switch to the other side, and you aren’t really used to pushing off the other leg. It’s just a matter of time. I’ve already talked to my strength coaches. They already know it’s an area I want to improve — the strength of my left leg. I’m so right-leg dominant after playing the left side so long; it’s just something I’ve got to work on.”
In 2023, Fautanu played a pivotal role in protecting one of the best quarterbacks in college football, Michael Penix Jr., and helped lead the Huskies to the College Football Championship Game. Although they ultimately lost, Fautanu had an outstanding season and caught the attention of NFL scouts. Despite being projected as a top-10 pick, he fell in the draft due to slight injury concerns.
Fautanu's offensive line won the award for the best offensive line in college football for the 2023 season. He started all 15 games at left tackle and is expected to play the same position in Pittsburgh. His primary goal is to improve a flaw he has identified: strengthening his left leg. Benz summarized his interview with Fautanu.
“Fautanu went on to say that those challenges are present in both the run-blocking and pass-protection aspects of his game,” said Benz. “But the biggest challenge for him right now is pushing off and keeping up with the first-step quickness of NFL pass rushers he is seeing in practice.”
For a rookie transitioning from college to the NFL, it is normal to face challenges. Fautanu has been very open and transparent about the difficulties of making this transition.
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Former University of Washington offensive lineman Troy Fautanu prepares to block a Michigan Wolverine player during the College Football Playoff.
He is working hard to improve, and his attitude has excited Steelers fans. He comes to Pittsburgh with a clear path to be a starter as a rookie if the Steelers call his number.
Steelers' Dan Moore Jr. Will Fight Troy Fautanu For Playing Time In 2024
Dan Moore Jr., the veteran left tackle, will compete with Fautanu for playing time. Moore is coming off a 2023 season where he faced heavy criticism for his performance. Some pundits close to the Steelers organization believe the team still values Moore and is eager to keep him as part of the line in 2024.
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Steelers' Dan Moore Jr. comes out of the tunnel for the start of a game.
Fautanu is expected to challenge Moore for his spot and potentially start over him during the season. It will be interesting to see if Fautanu is a day-one starter or if the Steelers will take the same approach they did with Jones, giving him some time before making him a starter.
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