"It's A Lot": Steelers' Troy Fautanu Gets Honest About Move To Left Tackle

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a very clear effort to build in the trenches ever since Omar Khan was promoted to be the team's general manager in May of 2022. Three of the organization's four first-round picks since the 2023 NFL Draft have been offensive linemen. The other in that timeframe was Derrick Harmon, who also operates on the line of scrimmage. The problem with a few of these decisions is the planning surrounding the youngsters. Broderick Jones isn't even on the roster anymore, and Troy Fautanu was moved from right to left tackle following two years at the professional level.

Moving to the opposite side of the offensive line is not something that Steelers' offensive linemen are unaccustomed to. It has happened several different times in recent years. Fautanu, however, had an especially difficult challenge that required transitioning to protect a righty quarterback's blindside. One could argue that this path for Jones is the reason why he no longer is playing in Pittsburgh.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ray Fittipaldo recently had an opportunity to speak with the left tackle about his move over to that side of the line. The 2024 first-round pick was not shy when going into detail about his role. It seems as if the University of Washington product has reflected on the fact that he is in a much more difficult spot in 2026.

"Being on the blind side, I know I have to be good,” Fautanu told Fittipalfdo. "I could get beat inside on the right side and the quarterback can react because he can see him coming. But on the left, it’s a little different. There are just certain nuances, too, of being in that position. I’m slowly starting to find myself and being myself when it’s game time. It’s a lot."

Fittipaldo also reported on Fautanu's awareness regarding his position on the left side. He knows the Steelers' decision-makers would not have asked to him to make the switch if he was not capable.

"For sure, there is the added pressure of playing left tackle, but it also gives me confidence because they have the confidence in me that I was able to do it,” Fautanu said, per Fittipaldo. “Whenever you have those thoughts of doubt or doubt creeps into your mind, sometimes you just have to remember they wouldn’t put me in this important position if they didn’t believe in me."

Pittsburgh's offensive line is slowly coming along. It takes time for a unit like that to gel and have everyone on the same page. As each week passes, quarterback Aaron Rodgers seems to be in a better spot. Fautanu is one of the main reasons for this. If he continues to get progress, then the Steelers' selection of him back in 2024 will be looking very good.

Most championship-caliber football teams have strong offensive lines. That is something that the Steelers have been trying to build in recent years. It hasn't been perfect, as was made clear by the decision to trade Jones, but there have been some success stories. The trio of Fautanu, Mason McCormick and Zach Frazier has operated well together. Now, Max Iheanachor is also starting to come along as a rookie in 2026.

The group has been moving along slowly but surely. The next step for the collective will be turning into one of the league's best. Expectations are high, and the draft capital spent in this area needs to pay off in the long run.

Steelers Still Have Long-Term Questions At 1 Spot On Offensive Line

Pittsburgh currently has Brock Hoffman starting at right guard, but he is only one a one-year deal. Gennings Dunker is on Injured Reserve (IR) and hasn't exactly come along as a first-year player. So, overall, the Steelers will need to figure out who is the long-term answer at this spot. If the front office and coaching staff can figure that out, then the unit as a whole is going to be in very good shape moving forward.

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