When the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted offensive tackle Troy Fautanu in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the hope was that he'd become a starter sooner rather than later, whether that be at left or right tackle.
Well, it appears Fautanu is making progress toward that goal, as he was running with the first-team offense in training camp practice on Friday, one day after he was with the twos in his first camp session.
With Fautanu sliding in at right tackle, the Steelers moved 2023 first-round pick and tackle Broderick Jones to left tackle, giving some insight into what Pittsburgh's long-term approach will be for their young linemen.
On fourth snap of Seven Shots, Broderick Jones moves to LT and Fautanu moves up to RT. Jones was at RT when first team came back out. Beanie Bishop got most snaps at slot corner.
— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) July 26, 2024
Unfortunately for the rookie, he was immediately matched up against superstar edge rusher T.J. Watt, and as you'd imagine, it didn't go well.
Troy Fautanu seeing first team RT reps. Got beat by TJ Watt around the edge. Welcome to the show. #Steelers
— Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) July 26, 2024
Fautanu's upgrade to the first-team offense on Friday comes at the expense of veteran Dan Moore, who was a disaster for Pittsburgh on the left side last season, giving up eight sacks and 55 total pressures in 535 pass-block snaps, per Pro Football Focus.
As much as Steelers fans want no part of Moore starting again in 2024, it's still way to early to proclaim him out of the starting picture. We'll have to see the Steelers deploying Fautanu regularly upfront before making that call.
