Steelers use of Troy Fautanu during rookie minicamp proves Broderick Jones is moving to LT
When the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Broderick Jones in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, they were hoping to acquire their blindside protector for the next decade plus. Instead, Jones had to play on the right side of the offensive line as opposed to the left, leaving many to wonder if he would ever […]
When the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Broderick Jones in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, they were hoping to acquire their blindside protector for the next decade plus.
Instead, Jones had to play on the right side of the offensive line as opposed to the left, leaving many to wonder if he would ever make the switch back, even if GM Omar Khan has said multiple times this offseason that it was a part of the plan.
Well, for the first time this year, those words were put into action following rookie minicamp:
Troy Fautanu plays RT at rookie minicamp
“The biggest challenge is flipping the footwork, Fautanu said when asked about drilling at right tackle during the three day rookie minicamp. "You’ve just been playing left for so long, so shout out to my coach back in college, who is making sure that we are comfortable playing both sides, so I’m ready to work and learn there. Whenever we did individual drills every day, we did right hand stances and left hand stances.”
Fautanu was my second highest graded tackle in the draft, part of which was due to his versatility and athleticism. With the body type and movement skills to play basically any of the five positions, kicking him out to right tackle and getting Broderick Jones back to his innate position on the opposite side is what's best for Pittsburgh.
As for Fautanu, he's taking the change in stride and soaking up all the knowledge he can:
“I’m right next to [starting offensive guard] Isaac [Seumalo]. I’ve apologized to him because I’m going to be bothering him a bunch, Fautanu told reporters at rookie minicamp. "When you’ve got a guy like that, a nine-year vet that’s been around the league for so long, you want to pick his brain. He’s got a lot coming. I’m going to be bothering him a whole bunch.”
A cerebral player who is willing to put team over himself, Pittsburgh looks to have acquired a good one in Fautanu.
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