Steelers first-round pick still confident following 'rough' practice

The Steelers have big expectations for their 2024 first-round pick, offensive tackle Troy Fautanu.

Like any rookie, however, Fautanu has had some early bumps in the road during the start of OTAs.

"My first impression of practice yesterday is it's a lot different than college, just the adjustment to the speed, especially the guys on the edge," Fautanu said. "Yesterday was a rough one, but today was a little bit better."

Going against edge-rushers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, who combined for 26 sacks in 2023, is quite a difficult task out the gate.

Add that on top of the fact that Fautanu is switching sides on the offensive line, and it shouldn't be surprising he's had some early struggles.

Fautanu said his coaches at Washington prepared him to play every position on the offensive line, but he still spent most of his time at left tackle. Pittsburgh has been preparing him to play right tackle since rookie minicamp last week.

It's safe to say, there will be an adjustment period.

"Switching to right, it's getting a little bit easier every day," Fautanu added. "It's a lot different from last week when we were just going against air. Now I have guys in front of me."

Luckily for Fautanu, he has a group of veterans who have been helping him along the way.

"I'm learning a lot from these guys, especially Dan (Moore Jr.), Broderick (Jones), everybody in the room, Isaac (Seumalo)," Fautanu stated. "They're all kind of taking me under their wing and helping me out."

Fautanu has the makings of becoming an elite offensive tackle at the next level, but even he knows that won't happen overnight. 

"I'm just trying to learn as much as I can," Fautanu finished. "I'm not a finished product, man. I'm trying to get better every single day."