The Pittsburgh Steelers have invested a lot into their offensive line over the last two years of the NFL Draft. They selected Broderick Jones in the first round in 2023, and followed that up by picking three offensive linemen in the first four rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft. It's unclear what kind of impact these rookies will make once the regular season roles around, but they have certainly started training camp off on the right foot.
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Troy Fautanu (76) and Mason McCormick (66) work out during Organized Team Activities (OTAs) in 2024.
Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier, and Mason McCormick are three rookies along the offensive line for the 2024 season. None are considered to be starters at this time, but it should be expected for Fautanu and Frazier to crack the starting lineup at some point. McCormick has played well, but Pittsburgh is set at both guard spots.
When Justin Fields was hit late during practice on Wednesday, Fautanu and McCormick were first to respond and protect their quarterback. This started a fight, which TJ Watt spoke about while talking to the media after practice ended.
"Yeah it's good, it's good, especially when you have so many new players that you're trying to figure out what they're all about. To be able to see guys wanting to run to the fight and not run away from it is awesome to see."
The "new guys" Watt is referring to are Fautanu and McCormick. Elandon Roberts and Beanie Bishop Jr. were both involved on the late hit on Fields, and Fautanu quickly shoved Roberts in the back before McCormick came flying in to hit the defenders as well. Rookies all want to make an impression during training camp, and it's fair to say they both did that based off of Watt's comments.
Steelers.com
Steelers' rookie Troy Fautanu during his first training camp in 2024.
Fautanu is currently fighting for the starting job at right tackle. Jones is the current right tackle, but will move to the left side once Fautanu is deemed ready to start. The rookie has mixed in with the starting group some, which means he is lining up across from Watt most of the time. This is an incredible challenge and opportunity to grow for Fautanu. If he is able to handle Watt on a consistent basis, he should be set to take on most edge rushers at the NFL level.
Head Coach Mike Tomlin has a history of waiting to start rookies until well after the regular season kicks off. It happened in 2023 with Jones, as he didn't become a consistent starter until halfway through the year. Fautanu seems to be a bit ahead of where Jones was at this time last year, as he has been able to stun Watt a few times during practice. He is on pace to become a starter, which would move Jones to left tackle and finally eliminate Dan Moore Jr. from the starting lineup.
Sebastian Foltz / Post-Gazette
Steelers offensive linemen Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier work out with the team.
Steelers' Fautanu Has High Hopes For Offensive Line
Pittsburgh's offensive line made serious strides in the second half of the 2023 season. Both guards and Jones played well, especially in the run game. The goal is now to shore up the other tackle spot and center, which the organization hopes Fautanu and Frazier are able to do. Frazier has struggled some to start training camp, but that is to be expected as he knocks the rust off after recovering from an injury that ended his 2023 college season early.
Fautanu has said he wants the rest of the NFL to be scared of the Steelers and the offensive line. They want to be a force in the run game, which they should be able to achieve in Arthur Smith's offense. Fautanu and Frazier should be starters by the start of the regular season, but knowing Tomlin, fans will likely have to wait to see both the rookies until a few weeks into the year. Fans will be able to get a true first look at the new offensive line during Pittsburgh's first preseason game on August 9th.
What do you think about Watt's comments and the fight? Let us know in the comments below!
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