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The Pittsburgh Steelers kicked off their three-day rookie minicamp this week, and first round draft pick Troy Fautanu out of Washington was overfilled with emotions. The excitement and nervousness that these rookies must feel during this time while they fight for a roster spot is something that most of us will never experience. While Fautanu should still have nothing to worry about when it comes to making the team, the offensive lineman was still struck with the first day jitters.
As the Steelers have attempted to rebuild their offensive line for over three years now, the future finally seems bright in Pittsburgh after somehow landing Fautanu early on and Zach Frazier in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. 43 rookies are participating in the minicamp for Pittsburgh this weekend, eight of which being offensive linemen. Fautanu is expected to lead as an example, and is the Steelers' long-term future plan on the outside.
When Fautanu was asked about his experience thus far into minicamp, the 2023 Morris Trophy winner explained that even he, a first round draft pick, still gets nervous on the first day.
Steelers first-round pick Troy Fautanu on first day jitters:
— Shelby Cassesse (@ShelbyCassesse) May 10, 2024
(1/2) "I was so nervous this morning. Oh my gosh. I'm very antsy. I don't know if I'm supposed to say this, but the first play out here, I jumped offsides because I was so ready to go.
"I was so nervous this morning. Oh my gosh. I'm very antsy. I don't know if I'm supposed to say this, but the first play out here, I jumped offsides because I was so ready to go," Fautanu explained.
Fautanu, like many other rookies who entered the draft, understands that the pre-draft process is very exhausting and gets old pretty fast. Most players are ready to skip through the process to step onto the field to show the organizations what they're made of and how they will help win championships.
(2/2) It's good to finally play football again. After going through the four months of the pre-draft process and all
— Shelby Cassesse (@ShelbyCassesse) May 10, 2024
the theatrics about it, showing up, looking pretty in front of the cameras and stuff, it's not me. It's not me. I'm ready to play ball."
Fautanu will be joining a Steelers' offense that has changed a lot this offseason, starting with the quarterback and offensive coordinator. Arthur Smith, former Atlanta Falcons head coach, is coming into the Steel City in 2024 with an agenda.
The new offensive coordinator comes to Pittsburgh planning to utilize the great running back duo and the new stacked o-line. Guys like Fautanu and Frazier are both going to play a vital role in how much the Steelers' new offense improves this season, as the Steelers' offense the last two seasons has been unfortunately ugly.
Where Will Steelers' Troy Fautanu Start Off On The Line?
Fautanu played a lot of left tackle for Washington, but it has been reported that he has been getting snaps in at right tackle during minicamp so far. Steelers' 2023 first rounder Broderick Jones finished the season at right tackle for the Steelers, while Dan Moore Jr. has remained on the left side.
Most are hoping that Jones is able to take over at left tackle where he is most comfortable, while Fautanu swoops in as the starting right tackle. It will take a lot from both Jones and Fautanu to earn starting spots over Moore Jr. though, considering Head Coach Mike Tomlin has kept Moore Jr. in the lineup to this point.
What do you make of Fautanu's first day jitters? Will he and Jones take over as the starting tackles in 2024?
More must-reads:
- Former teammate warns Tee Higgins about pitfalls of playing on franchise tag
- Patrick Queen believes Steelers LB room is going to be 'great'
- The 'Most touchdowns in a season for every NFL franchise' quiz
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