Steelers' Rookie Troy Fautanu Overcomes First-Day Jitters at Minicamp
ICARO Media Group
Pittsburgh Steelers' first-round draft pick, Troy Fautanu, had a momentary lapse of concentration on the first snap of rookie minicamp, committing a false start. Despite the nervousness that got the best of him, Fautanu quickly shook it off and impressed his teammates and coaches with his resilience.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 317 pounds, Fautanu showcased his versatility by lining up at right tackle, a significant achievement considering his previous experience on the left side. Having made 29 consecutive starts for Washington on the left side, Fautanu now finds himself adapting to the right side alongside fellow rookie linemen Mason McCormick and Zach Frazier.
Fautanu admitted to being "very antsy" and eager to get started after enduring the pre-draft process and all the associated theatrics. He expressed his excitement at finally being able to focus on playing football again, leaving behind the distractions of the draft.
The switch to the right side was expected for Fautanu, as he credited his former coach at Washington, Scott Huff, for teaching the nuances of both left and right tackle positions. Fautanu's mindset remains the same regardless of the quarterback's field of vision, emphasizing his commitment to blocking his assigned opponent.
The rookie's position on the offensive line will also depend on the Steelers' plans for 2023 first-round tackle Broderick Jones, who started at right tackle for the latter part of the previous season. Dan Moore Jr., a three-year starter at left tackle, is another factor in the equation. The coaching staff will likely evaluate Fautanu's performance throughout the offseason to determine the best fit for the talented rookie.
The rookie minicamp provides an ideal opportunity for draft picks and undrafted free agents to acclimate to their new surroundings. Fautanu, along with his fellow rookies, arrived at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, where he found his locker conveniently placed next to veteran guard Isaac Seumalo, who shares Fautanu's Polynesian heritage.
Fautanu expressed his eagerness to learn and grow from Seumalo, acknowledging the value of picking the nine-year veteran's brain. However, he was cautious not to bother Seumalo excessively, as he quickly discovered that the seasoned player preferred a quieter approach.
Despite the initial hiccup, Fautanu impressed his teammates and coaches throughout the rest of the minicamp with his hard work and dedication. As the Steelers move forward with their offseason preparations, Fautanu's performance will undoubtedly be closely monitored, and his potential impact on the team's offensive line will continue to be evaluated.
Overall, Fautanu's ability to shrug off first-day jitters and quickly rebound demonstrates his resilience and determination to succeed in the NFL. With his promising talent and strong work ethic, Fautanu is poised to make a valuable contribution to the Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive line in the upcoming season.