PITTSBURGH – Offensive line play rarely draws headlines, but anyone paying attention to the Pittsburgh Steelers knows the foundation of the team’s future is being built right there in the trenches. After celebrating the rise of Zach Frazier at center, another young lineman is carving out his own reputation. Right tackle Troy Fautanu, who is also 24 years old, is quickly making his mark as one of the most promising pieces of Pittsburgh’s offensive line.
According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Fautanu is already ranked as the 20th best right tackle in the league. That places him in the top 15 percent of his position group, an impressive feat for someone only in his second year as a pro. Through 25 career games, the former Washington Husky has allowed just two sacks, showing consistency and resilience against some of the league’s toughest edge rushers.
For a second-year player, those numbers are not just good; they are the building blocks of something potentially great.
Size, Strength, and Athleticism
At 6’4” and 317 pounds, Fautanu does not fit the prototype of today’s NFL tackle. Scouts often describe him as “undersized” for the position, noting that many of the league’s elite tackles tower at 6’6” or taller with even longer wingspans. Yet what Fautanu lacks in sheer size, he more than makes up for in athleticism and technique.
His footwork is one of his most valuable tools. Whether sliding out to meet a speedy edge rusher or resetting against a bull rush, Fautanu’s quickness allows him to recover and neutralize threats that might overwhelm less mobile tackles. It is not uncommon to see him stonewall a defensive end who came in with a full head of steam, using leverage and hand placement to redirect the rush.
Head coach DK LaFleur addressed this earlier in the season: “Some guys win with raw size. Troy wins with balance, quick feet, and fight. He has the attitude we want on the line. Undersized or not, he is showing he belongs.”
The Path From Washington
Coming out of the University of Washington, Fautanu was known for his versatility and grit. He played with an edge in college, often described as the heartbeat of his offensive line. That intensity has carried over to Pittsburgh, where teammates say he brings a mix of humor and fire to the huddle. “He keeps it light, but when it is time to play, you know he is locked in,” veteran guard Isaac Seumalo said.
His transition to the NFL has been smoother than many anticipated. The learning curve for rookie tackles is often steep. The speed of professional pass rushers and the complexity of defensive schemes can overwhelm young linemen. Yet Fautanu has embraced the challenge, leaning on coaching and his own athletic gifts to find consistency early in his career.
Following in Frazier’s Footsteps
Of course, comparisons within the Steelers’ offensive line are inevitable. Zach Frazier has already cemented himself as one of the best young centers in football, and his rapid rise naturally raises the question of where Fautanu stands. The honest answer? He is not quite there yet.
Frazier’s combination of leadership, poise, and dominance has placed him in the top five at his position. Fautanu, ranked 20th at right tackle, still has some climbing to do. But the important point is that he is not far behind. His trajectory suggests that, like Frazier, he could soon break into the upper echelon of offensive linemen if his growth continues.
“You can see the potential,” LaFleur said. “Zach sets a high bar, and Troy is chasing it. That competition, that drive to catch up, is what makes both of them better.”
Handling Athletic Edge Rushers
One of the standout traits in Fautanu’s young career has been his ability to handle athletic defensive ends. Against players who rely on speed, bend, and suddenness, Fautanu’s agility has shined. His ability to mirror rushers, stay square, and use his athleticism to cut off angles has neutralized many opponents who thought they had an advantage.
Defensive end Alex Highsmith, who sees plenty of Fautanu in practice, praised his growth. “Troy is tough. He might not have the same size as some tackles, but he is hard to beat because he moves so well. He makes you earn everything.”
That ability is especially valuable in today’s NFL, where pass rushers are becoming more athletic every year. Teams are constantly searching for mismatches, and right tackles often draw elite competition. For Pittsburgh, knowing Fautanu can hold his own is a major comfort.
The Bigger Picture
When you step back, the Steelers’ investment in young linemen like Frazier and Fautanu paints a clear picture of their vision for the future. They want to build from the inside out, protecting Desmond Ridder and paving the way for Nate Carter and the run game. With Frazier commanding the middle and Fautanu locking down the edge, Pittsburgh is laying the groundwork for an offensive line that could become one of the league’s most reliable units in the years ahead.
The mentorship dynamic also plays a role. Veterans like Isaac Seumalo continue to set the tone, but the fact that Frazier and Fautanu are already showing leadership qualities suggests the line is in good hands for the long term.
Looking Ahead
Fautanu’s ceiling remains high. He has the athletic ability, the mental toughness, and the production to suggest he will only get better. The fact that he has allowed just two sacks in 25 games is no small feat, and as his technique sharpens, the sky is the limit.
Yes, he may be undersized compared to prototypical tackles, but if anything, that narrative is becoming less of a concern by the week. What matters is results, and the results so far show that Troy Fautanu is not just holding his own — he is thriving.
As Pittsburgh continues its push toward building a contender under DK LaFleur, the development of young players like Fautanu will be critical. He may not be Zach Frazier yet, but he is closing the gap quickly. In the trenches, where every inch matters, Fautanu is proving that sometimes fight, footwork, and heart are just as valuable as size.
For Steelers Nation, the excitement is not just about what he has already accomplished, but about where he can go from here. If Frazier is the present, Fautanu is the near future, and together they are giving Pittsburgh fans reason to believe that the offensive line can once again be a strength worthy of the franchise’s history.
– Forged In Steel Times
