Pittsburgh Steelers Steelers News
Steelers First-Round OT Named ‘Early 2025 Breakout Candidate’
Pittsburgh Steelers 2024 first-round pick Troy Fautanu has been named an early breakout candidate for next season.
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Troy Fautanu has been named a breakout candidate for the 2025 season, following what was a very disappointing rookie year.
Pro Football Focus tabbed the No. 20 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft as a name to watch with a clear path to being a Week 1 starter.
“Left tackle Dan Moore Jr. was on an expiring contract in 2024, and based on how he played down the stretch, it seems likely that Pittsburgh will move on,” Pro Football Focus’ Bradley Locker writes. “Fautanu, the team’s first-round pick last year, suited up on only 55 snaps as a rookie but produced a 69.3 PFF pass-blocking grade. The 24-year-old was elite during Washington’s run to the national championship, permitting only 23 pressures and two sacks, and appears in line to be the Steelers’ starting right tackle.”
Fautanu was already expected to be the Steelers’ Week 1 starting right tackle as a rookie, but then he suffered what would eventually be deemed as a season-ending injury.
The 24-year-old dislocated his right kneecap during a practice leading up to the home opener against the Los Angeles Chargers. The injury caused ligament damage and needed surgery to repair it.
Shortly after, Fautanu was placed on injured reserve and he never saw the field again.
However, following the Steelers loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the wild-card round of the playoffs, Fautanu seemed hopeful for the future.
While rehabbing, Fautanu revealed he’s still been at the Steelers facility, sitting in on team meetings. That way he can pick up right where he left off next season.
Fautanu played in just one game as a rookie. Now he seems primed to be an every week starter in 2025, barring injury of course.
The only question that remains is what side will Fautanu play on?
