The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted offensive tackle Troy Fautanu with the 20th overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The selection was widely praised, with pundits hailing it as a great value pick for a player of Fautanu’s talent. However, some analysts pointed to concerns about his long-term health, which may have contributed to his slide in the draft. These worries became a reality in his rookie season when an injury derailed his promising start.
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Steelers' Troy Fautanu looks on before a home game in Pittsburgh during the 2024 NFL season.
Fautanu quickly made an impression on Head Coach Mike Tomlin, earning a starting spot after a standout training camp. In Week 2 against the Denver Broncos, he made his first NFL start and performed admirably, showcasing the potential that made him a first-round pick. Unfortunately, his momentum was cut short the following week when he sustained an injury that ruled him out for the entire 2024 season. For any rookie, missing a full season is a major setback, but Fautanu’s resilience has been evident during his recovery.
In a recent interview with Steelers insider Chris Adamski, Fautanu shared the greatest lesson he has learned during his time away from the field. He emphasized the importance of patience and maintaining a positive mindset through adversity. His determination to come back stronger has inspired teammates and fans alike, giving the Steelers hope for his return in 2025.
"It’s a lot different in this league," Fautanu said. "You have to find a way to get a winning edge — and that’s taking care of your body. That’s something I have learned here these past four months."
With Fautanu’s addition, rookie Zach Frazier starting at center, and experienced veterans anchoring the offensive line, the Steelers' unit was expected to take a significant leap forward in 2024. Unfortunately, injuries disrupted their cohesion, setting the group back. While Frazier remained consistently dominant throughout the year, other rookies like Mason McCormick hit the proverbial rookie wall. The offensive line fell short of expectations, but there is optimism for the future as this young group continues to grow and develop.
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Zach Frazier and Troy Fautanu work on blocking drills during Organized Team Activities (OTAs).
Omar Khan and Andy Weidl demonstrated their commitment to fortifying the trenches during the 2023 NFL Draft when they traded up to select Broderick Jones. However, Jones' second season was a major disappointment for fans, as he struggled with costly penalties and often appeared out of sync with the rest of the line.
His performance raised questions about his dedication to improving his craft, and his regression in 2024 proved to be a setback for the unit's overall progress. The Steelers 2024 season might have gone a lot differently if Jones had progressed the way many fans assumed he would have. He has a lot of work to do in the 2025 offseason.
Steelers' Offensive Line Does Have A Bright Future
Despite these struggles, Tomlin remains confident that Jones can turn things around. The young lineman’s potential is evident, but realizing it will require a renewed focus and effort. As the Steelers' offensive line looks to rebound in 2025, the development of players like Fautanu, Frazier, McCormick and Jones will be key to the group reaching its full potential.
The good news for Pittsburgh is the potential of their young core on the offensive line. With Frazier, McCormick, and Fautanu leading the way when healthy, the trio has a chance to grow together and develop into a dominant unit for years to come. The hope is that Jones can also become a key part of that group, but he’ll need to take a significant step forward in 2025. If he doesn’t, fans may start labeling him a bust, adding even more pressure to the young lineman.
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Steelers' QB Russell Wilson can't escape Ravens' pass rush.
The offensive line has been a lingering issue for the Steelers in recent years. Russell Wilson struggled to find consistent protection in critical moments during the 2024 season, highlighting the need for improvement. For Pittsburgh to emerge as true Super Bowl contenders, the offensive line must step up in 2025 and deliver the stability and dominance that has eluded them for too long.
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