For the Pittsburgh Steelers, it might be easy to overlook rookies when camp headlines are dominated by quarterback rumors or wide receiver development, but sometimes the most important progress happens in the trenches. The offseason buzz around the Steelers’ offensive line has also been loud, and at the center stands tackle Troy Fautanu. From Washington, where he won the Morris Trophy in 2023, Fautanu landed at the 20th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
ESPN
Steelers' Troy Fautanu looks on before a game.
Pittsburgh's brass allegedly believed Fautanu was not just their best tackle in 2024, but their best lineman overall. That’s a bold claim in a room stacked with someone like Isaac Seumalo.
Steelers beat writer, Ray Fittipaldo, joined 93.7 The Fan, and noted that the team’s belief in Fautanu wasn't just overheard chatter; it was a consensus. Everyone in the organization's building was excited for him in 2024, and will be again in 2025.
"I wanna say probably from July 24th or 25th, I think until August 9th when that injury took place, they probably had 14 to 15 practices," Fittipaldo said. "They were convinced [Fautanu] was their best offensive lineman. Not their best tackle. They thought he was better than Isaac Seumalo."
When someone inside the Steelers believes Fautanu was the best offensive lineman on the team before his injury, that’s not just a throwaway compliment. That kind of praise doesn’t come easily, especially from a franchise that’s been investing resources into rebuilding its offensive line. For Fautanu to be seen as better than someone like Seumalo, who’s known across the league for his steady presence, it means that it wasn’t just about early promise.
The impact of that evaluation goes far beyond one player. Offensive linemen, especially rookies, aren’t usually expected to shine right away. Development at that position takes time, and progress isn’t always straightforward. However, in those early days of training camp back in July and August of 2024, Fautanu wasn’t just surviving, he was making a statement.
Steelers.com
Steelers' Troy Fautanu warms up during 2024 rookie camp.
Fantanu's rookie season began with a mild MCL sprain, but he recovered to earn the Week 2 start. He logged 55 snaps, allowed no sacks, and was viewed as a foundational piece. Unfortunately, he suffered a freak knee injury that ended his year. Now healthy, he’s firmly penciled in as the right tackle, with Broderick Jones shifting over to the left.
For a Steelers front office that’s been focused on getting younger and more dynamic in the trenches, Fautanu’s quick transition confirmed what they hoped when they drafted him. It didn’t take long in Pittsburgh to see those same traits come through. The coaching staff felt comfortable getting him reps early, and as the days went by, that comfort turned into trust.
Calling someone the “best offensive lineman” on the roster, even after just a few padded practices, changes the expectations. When camp gets underway in July, Fautanu won’t be flying under the radar anymore; he’ll be the one expected to lead the charge, set the tone and dominate. The sample size may have been small, but the message from inside the building was loud and clear: he has what it takes to anchor the line.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers rookie offensive tackle Troy Fautanu runs through drills as the team practices during 2024 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers Will Plan To Put Fautanu To The Test
The biggest hurdle is staying healthy. Injuries have a way of halting momentum, and Fautanu’s unfortunately came right as things were ramping up. It cost him valuable reps and game-speed learning. But the bar’s already been set.
The Steelers will expect him to return to that same form. When a team walks away from training camp saying a rookie was the best lineman on the field, it’s not just a pat on the back. It’s a sign that they’re ready to build something around him. And in Fautanu’s case, that’s probably the clearest sign yet that he’s not just part of the Steelers’ future, he’s going to help define it.
Do you think Fautanu will shine this upcoming 2025 season? Let us know in the comments below!
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