Steelers' Mike Tomlin Delivers Stunning Praise For Common Weak Link On The Offensive Side Of The Ball

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a ton of new pieces to get integrated ahead of the 2025 NFL season. This is true for both sides of the ball, but the biggest X-factor for the team is a group that was in Pittsburgh during the 2024 season, and that is the offensive line. The unit is young outside of left guard Isaac Seumalo, as every other player is in their third-year or younger. Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick seem fairly reliable on the interior, while the tackle spots are going to be something fans keep a close eye on to begin the regular season.

Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu are being relied upon to take care of business at the two tackle spots. Each player was selected in the first round of their respective drafts by the organization, with the franchise even trading up to grab Jones. Jones spent most of the last two seasons at right tackle, but he will be starting on the left side of the offensive line in 2025, which happens to be his natural position. Fautanu missed most of his rookie year in 2024, so he is looking to come into the season healthy, while being able to make a positive impact.

Head Coach Mike Tomlin spoke about his tackle situation after practice on Tuesday, and he sounded impressed with the growth he has seen from the two players throughout training camp.

"I think they’ve gotten better every day," Tomlin said. "Broderick got slowed by a little day-to-day groin injury there for a spell, but has really been on the uptick since his return. Same with Troy. I like the trajectory of the group. But even though we’re leaving Saint Vincent College, man, we still are very much in development. We’ve got a lot of time in front of us between now and the opener."

Fans have been excited to see Fautanu on the field, but a large portion of the fan base has been worried about whether or not Jones would be good enough to start at left tackle. The initial reports out of training camp were a bit concerning, but it seems as though the young player has improved as he has gotten more comfortable returning to the left side.

Jones had a rough season in 2024 as he struggled with penalties and giving up sacks. It is important to note that both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields had instances where they held onto the ball for far too long and ran into sacks, but some of that still falls on Jones. 

Jones and Fautanu were going against two pretty good pass rushers during Pittsburgh's first preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker have each been two elite pass rushers in the their careers, and neither tackle allowed a pressure from either player. This is a good sign in Pittsburgh, as protecting Aaron Rodgers is going to be a top priority.

Steelers' Tackles Have Been Battle-Tested Throughout Training Camp

Both Jones and Fautanu have to go against some of the best in the world every day of practice. TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Nick Herbig is as good of a trio at outside linebacker that anyone will find in the NFL, and they get to test the two young tackles every day. 

In addition to that, Pittsburgh has also upgraded the secondary. This likely makes Rodgers have to hang on to the football for a little bit longer, which tests the offensive line even more. 

What do you think about the recent updates on the two young tackles? Let us know in the comments below!

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