PITTSBURGH — At the first week of OTAs, Pittsburgh Steelers left tackle Dan Moore Jr. was upfront when asked about the possibility of playing on the right side. It’s something that Moore is just not comfortable with, and that might be why rookie Troy Fautanu is playing over there.
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“I would probably feel the exact same way I felt last year,” Moore said. “Not everyone can play both sides. The people who can are really blessed and athletic people. But I do whatever they tell me.”
The Steelers experimented with Dan Moore Jr. on the right side in previous years but it always ended up in a disaster. Moore hasn’t been a shutdown left tackle in his three seasons either, however. Last season, Moore allowed 56 pressures in pass protection, second-most among all left tackles, according to PFF.
Steelers’ first-round selection Troy Fautanu had a welcome to the NFL moment on the first day of OTAs, as he he got beat clean on his first rep during a 11-on-11 session. Justin Fields would have been sacked if it was a game setting.
Fautanu played most of his career at Washington at left tackle, except for a few games when he kicked inside to left guard due to injuries. The Steelers are starting him on the right side, so that’s another big adjustment for the rookie.
Fautanu said Moore, Broderick Jones and Isaac Seumalu have been taking him under their wing and showing him what it takes to prepare and play in the NFL.
Even though he’s in competition with him for a starting spot, Moore reached out to Fautanu shortly after he got drafted by the Steelers back in April.
“Yeah, I mean, the kid just got drafted. It’s probably the best moment of his life. I remember that moment. I know that I would want to be welcomed,” Moore said in regards to reaching out to Fautanu. “We are happy to help him. He’s going to push a lot of people in this room. [We’re] working to help him grow.”
