New Steelers Offensive Lineman Troy Fautanu Has Position Defined By Mike Tomlin: 'He Is A Tackle'

The Pittsburgh Steelers decided to find another piece for the offensive line in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. A year after taking Broderick Jones with the 14th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the team goes back-to-back years selecting a player at the position for the first time in team history. A scouting report from The Athletic's Dane Brugler said that the University of Washington product could play at any position on the offensive line. With the big need at center, some wondered if Fautanu could move there after the pick was made. Mike Tomlin made it very clear that isn't happening. 

Speaking at a press conference at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Tomlin and General Manager Omar Khan addressed the media after making the selection, and one of the first questions was about Fautanu's position flexibility. Khan deferred to Tomlin who iterated strongly that Pittsburgh intends to keep him at his collegiate position. 

"Right now, he is a tackle. We see him as a tackle." 

The Steelers will now have Jones, Fautanu, and Dan Moore Jr. competing for the starting spots at tackle in training camp. Moore has the most to lose after starting in 49 of a possible 50 games since being drafted in 2021. Fautanu has the benefit of coming into the NFL with plenty of experience after playing 31 collegiate games with the Huskies. Jones is likely a lock for one of the two starting spots after starting 11 games in the regular season and one game in the playoffs in 2023.

Pittsburgh also has tackles Dylan Cook and Spencer Anderson on the roster as more depth at the position. Though the team has had relatively good health on the line in the past two seasons, it never hurts to have more players there just in case. 

Steelers' Tomlin Won't Commit To A Side For Fautanu

The side that Jones will play has been a hot top for Steelers fans this offseason. Khan made noise at the combine by stating that Jones, who was drafted to be a left tackle, will be a left tackle. Tomlin had previously been noncommittal. Jones was a left tackle in college. 

Fautanu was also a left tackle in college, however, he was lining up in front of a left-handed quarterback, in Michael Penix. Tomlin wouldn't divulge whether he will be on the left or the right side either, choosing just to say that he is a tackle.