Steelers Ex-QB Charlie Batch Thrilled With Troy Fautanu: "Expecting To Be A Day 1 Starter"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have focused on the trenches the past few seasons by building up their offensive line. That included first-round selections two years in a row with a pair of new offensive tackles: Broderick Jones in 2023 and Troy Fautanu in 2024. This was good news since the offensive line has been widely considered the team's weakest area over the past several seasons. Even during the final seasons of Ben Roethlisberger's career, he found his protection breaking down.

With new Offensive Coordinator, Arthur Smith, calling the plays, the Steelers needed a more solid offensive line, especially with the heavy focus on the run game. With the start of training camp drawing near, fans wonder what kind of impact Fautanu will have this season. It seems the Steelers will allow Fautanu to compete with Dan Moore Jr. for the right tackle spot and allow Jones to play on his natural left side.

Pittsburgh is known for allowing its rookies time to develop, rather than rushing them onto the field their first season. In 2023, Jones was initially watching from the bench as veterans Moore and Chukwuma Okorafor started. He was only allowed to start full-time once Okorafor was benched before their Week 9 game. 

While Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and minicamps do not accurately gauge rookie players' full NFL abilities, Fautanu impressed the media. He is showing that he is a fast learner, despite initially struggling a bit with switching sides on the line. Recently, longtime Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch and KDKA personality Bob Pompeani hosted a Steelers Training Camp 2024 All Access video and discussed Fautanu.

"Being able to spend time with Troy [Fautanu], man he's awesome," said Batch. "You hear Mike Tomlin talk about his athleticism, but this guy wanted to understand the history of what it means to be a Steeler, and any alumni who came in he wanted to have that conversation. This guy's ready to work; he was expecting to be a day one starter, and this guy's going to prepare that way. And man, if he can get out there and solidify that offensive line, it's going to be an exciting season."

It isn't surprising that Fautanu is making his presence known in a good way. Thanks to his extra COVID season, Fautanu displays increased maturity. He played for the University of Washington for five seasons. He was initially redshirted, but finally had a breakout season in 2022. After two really strong seasons in 2022 and 2023, Fautanu was getting the attention of NFL scouts. 

During the NFL Combine, Fautanu was rated the third-highest lineman overall, with a total score of 86. He was noted to be a player who takes coaching well and is excited to grow and improve. Fautanu was called a "brawler" who displays tenacity and grit, two things the Steelers love. The Black and Gold also love smashmouth football, and hearing that Fautanu is out there trying to learn and understand the team's history creates additional optimism. 

Steelers' Have A New Sheriff In Town

The Steelers' offensive line looks vastly different from just a few years ago. When Omar Khan took over as general manager in 2022, he seemed to commit to rebuilding those foundations and clearly started with the offensive line. 

He didn't just draft Fautanu and Jones; he also selected Mason McCormick, Spencer Anderson, and Zach Frazier. In addition, he acquired players such as Nate Herbig and Isaac Seumalo. It is becoming apparent that Khan has a method he is using to help the Steelers return to being Super Bowl contenders. 

While passionate, he doesn't allow that to override what he sees as the best decision for the team. Instead of making emotional decisions, he is making financially sound ones. That has led to the team declining Najee Harris' fifth-year option and the refusal so far to sign beloved defender Cameron Heyward to an extension.  

What do you think about Fautanu? How soon do you think he will start? Click to comment below. 

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