The Pittsburgh Steelers had their second practice session of training camp ahead of the 2024 season on Friday. New faces are adjusting to one another, and rookies are getting used to life in the NFL. A pair of rookies that many eyes will be on is that of Zach Frazier and Troy Fautanu, who each could be starters on the offensive line once Week 1 roles around. As of now, they are not a part of the starting five, but have been getting some work in with the starting group.
Steelers.com
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Troy Fautanu, guard Nate Herbig, and lineman Spencer Anderson participating in a drill during OTA's.
Fautanu is preparing to play right tackle for Pittsburgh, and if he seems ready for the job by the time the regular season kicks off, he will start there. If he's not, he will ride the bench while Broderick Jones plays right tackle and Dan Moore Jr. continues his job on the left side. It's only the second day of camp, but it seems as though Fautanu has struggled against the starters so far according to Steeler Nation's own Brandon Wallace.
11v11!
— B-Wall (@BWall) July 26, 2024
First play, TJ would-be sack on Fields. Second play, Fields goes deep to GP and it’s broken up by Jackson. Third play, pass is behind CAIII and incomplete by Fields smh. #HereWeGo #SteelersCamp
Wallace confirmed that Fautanu was at right tackle on the play. Of course, it is understandable that a rookie would have some issues lining up across from TJ Watt. It would be more concerning if Fautanu had no problem against Watt. Pittsburgh doesn't suit up in pads until Tuesday, so it will be easier to get a read on Fautanu's progression then, as well as everyone else lining up in the trenches.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' TJ Watt during mandatory minicamp in 2024.
During this portion of training camp, plays continue even if a defender like Watt gets into the backfield. It would be a sack during a game, but coaches prefer to let the play go through and let the quarterback and wide receiver finish their jobs. Going up against Watt will only make Fautanu's progression speed up; iron sharpens iron.
Watt is one of, if not the best, pass rushers in the game coming off of the edge. Going up against that every day is a privilege for the rookie. It will prepare him for what he can expect to see during the regular season, as there is no opponent who can match the talent of Watt. The superstar outside linebacker is coming off a season where he led the league in sacks, and is coming into 2024 with a chip on his shoulder after being snubbed for the Defensive Player Of The Year Award.
Pittsburgh likes to take it slow with their rookies, and give them some time before being inserted into the starting lineup. This was seen with Jones in 2023, but the plan might not be the same for Fautanu. Fautanu has plenty of experience from playing in college, which gives him a leg up coming into the league. A clearer picture should be seen on how close he is to starting once the pads come on Tuesday.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Troy Fautanu (76) and Mason McCormick (66) work out during Organized Team Activities (OTAs) in 2024.
Steelers Have Two Rookies Fighting To Start On The Offensive Line
Fautanu was Pittsburgh's first round pick in 2024, so it is expected for him to make an impact relatively soon. The same goes for Frazier, who the organization selected with the 51st pick. Frazier is coming into a situation where he should be able to start immediately. The only player with experience at center competing with Frazier is Nate Herbig, who has played just 49 snaps at the position.
Fans should be concerned if Frazier can't beat out Herbig, who is taking the majority of the reps with the starting group. Frazier has plenty of experience after starting for three seasons at the college level. It would be a disappointment if he is not the one snapping the ball in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons.
What are your thoughts on Fautanu struggling with Watt? Let us know in the comments below!
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