Steelers’ Troy Fautanu Pick Has Quickly Turned Into A Home Run Decision

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a big effort to revitalize their offensive line through the NFL Draft over the past few seasons. After multiple Steelers legends retired or went elsewhere, the once surefire part of the team became a weakness. General Manager Omar Khan has used top picks on trench players, and while it's not quite as exciting as taking a quarterback or a wide receiver, the impact is insurmountable. In a short period of time, the Black and Gold have established a really strong unit, almost entirely made up of homegrown talent. What once was a weak point is now a promising group that could be a long-term positive for the team. 

Among the high draft picks used on linemen was 2024's first-rounder Troy Fautanu. The tackle from the University of Washington was one of the most highly anticipated tackles in the 2024 draft class, and he ended up falling into the Steelers' hands at pick 20. He missed nearly his entire rookie year after a season-ending injury, but he came back with a vengeance in 2025 and started all 17 games. Fautanu proved that he can be a quality starting right tackle for the team, and heading into year three, he'll have the chance to establish himself as one of the league's best at the position. 

This pick received mixed reviews at the time, but after showing out in 2025, he has much more confidence from the Steelers' fan base. On the Check The Mic podcast, NFL analysts Steve Palazzolo and Sam Monson broke down how the Fautanu pick has aged.

"Fautanu was limited to just 55 snaps as a rookie, missed most of the 2024 season, stepped in, played good, solid right tackle last year. Fautanu locking down the right at right tackle, he looked fine there last year. So, I think they're in a good spot. I mean, if you just get a good starting offensive lineman, it might not feel sexy at the time, but when you have this guy locked up for a long time there, it does feel better as you go. I think the Steelers are in that spot here with Fautanu," Palazzolo said. 

Palazzolo is right. The pick wasn't super exciting at the time, but Fautanu could blossom into a long-time starter in the Steel City. The Steelers have been searching for help on the line, and after Fautanu's showing in 2025, it seems like they have that in him. 

Fautanu did a nice job in pass protection and was average in the run game. In essentially his first full season, he held his own, but there are still some things to clean up. He allowed 25 total pressures and two sacks, which isn't bad, but with the Steelers' quarterbacks' quick releases, that could make the line's numbers look better. Fautanu's run blocking could use some work, but that's something that can be cleaned up as he progresses at the professional level. He's still a developmental piece, but the upside is definitely there after seeing his play in 2025. 

With a new offensive line coach, Fautanu will have the tools to get better, and with the way tackles are being paid nowadays, the young tackle could be in for a big contract should he progress. 

The Steelers' Offensive Line Could Be One Of The League's Best

With just how young the group is, another year of playing as a unit is vital. With rising stars seemingly at each position, they can gel together and improve individually. Pittsburgh has invested important draft capital at the positions, and it's starting to pay off. 

This group could take the league by storm should they all continue on the trajectory that many believe they could achieve. With an offensive-minded head coach and just more time together, this could be the turnaround the Steelers needed. 

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