The Pittsburgh Steelers added 4-time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers this offseason. But in a perfect world, the Steelers want to have a dominating ground attack. To do that, they need their young offensive linemen such as tackle Troy Fautanu to live up to their potential in 2025.
Fautanu played in one game as a rookie last season before a dislocated kneecap ended his campaign.
But the signs in the offseason workouts indicated Fautanu is ready to hit the ground running this fall.
“When you see his footwork, we saw it a little bit in the preseason and a very little bit in a game. The guy, he can get to the second level like most tackles can’t,” 93.7 The Fan’s Jeff Hathhorn said on The Fan’s Morning Show on Thursday, via Steelers Depot’s Josh Carney. “His ability to go laterally, go up the field, it really is impressive.
“Now, it’s about doing it consistently against the best in the league, and how you hold up against that kind of physical test.
“But man, when you watch him in space, especially in OTAs, minicamp and things like that, the guy just wows you.”
The Steelers drafted Fautanu at No. 20 overall in the first round last year.
“Now, about eight months removed from surgery, Fautanu is nearing the end of his long road to recovery,” The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo wrote early during offseason workouts on May 29. “The coaches have been careful to work Fautanu back methodically. He’s nearly up to full strength and expects he’ll be a full participant when the pads come on at training camp.”
Return of Troy Fautanu Essentially Gives Steelers a Second 2025 First-Rounder
Fautanu could be the key to the Steelers offensive line, and ultimately, the team’s entire offense in 2025.
Steelers pundits expect him to be an upgrade over veteran Dan Moore Jr., who departed the team in NFL free agency. Fautanu isn’t directly replacing Moore at left tackle, but Fautanu will start at right tackle, which will allow Broderick Jones, another former first-round pick, to flip back to his more natural side.
“Fautanu’s return in and of itself is significant. It’s essentially like an extra first-round pick. But the ripple effect is just as important,” wrote DeFabo.
It’s a stretch to say the Steelers are adding three first-round picks to their starting lineup this year. But it’s hard to overstate that “ripple effect.”
Fautanu and Jones are set to start as bookend tackles in their most natural positions for the first time. The Steelers also added Derrick Harmon as their 2025 first-round pick to the defensive line.
While there are questions at other “sexier” positions such as quarterback and wide receiver, the Steelers are building their roster similar to the way it was under Bill Cowher before quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
In 2025, the Steelers intend to run the ball and stop the run.
Fautanu to Solidify Steelers Offensive Line
With Fautanu back, the Steelers hope to have their long-term futures set at four of the five offensive spots.
In addition to Fautanu, the team drafted center Zach Frazier and guard Mason McCormick in the 2024 draft. Frazier starred as a rookie, and McCormick is expected to start in 2025.
Hathhorn raved about what the Steelers have in Frazier and Fautanu.
“I do think [Fautanu’s] the best tackle, maybe the best of the guards, but man, Zach Frazier’s pretty special,” Hathhorn said, via Steelers Depot. “I don’t think if I would go as far as saying that he’s better than Frazier, but man, they do love [Fautanu’s] potential when you watch him.”
How the Steelers young offensive line gels together in 2025 could greatly impact how well the team performs this season.
Left guard Isaac Seumalo, who made his first Pro Bowl last season, is the only Steelers projected starting lineman older than 25.
