Expectations for Troy Fautanu, Steelers' Top Rookies in Preseason
The Pittsburgh Steelers are hoping that an influx of talent in the offseason is enough to make them more than just postseason also-rans.
General manager Omar Khan took some big swings to address weaknesses, acquiring quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, linebacker Patrick Queen and cornerback Donte Jackson during the early offseason. However, the Steelers will also need their draft class to pay early dividends if they're going to make a deep postseason run.
Pittsburgh's foray into the draft was also a needs-based exercise.
Fans will get their first look at the Steelers' rookies when their preseason begins on August 9. Below, you'll find a look at Pittsburgh's top three draft selections and some realistic expectations for each of them.
OT Troy Fautanu
1 of 3
Round 1 (No. 20 Overall)
The Steelers got big contributions from 2023 first-round pick Broderick Jones as a rookie, though he didn't make his first start until Week 5. They may again take their time with rookie first-round pick Troy Fautanu, though there are already signs of Pittsburgh trying to accelerate the process.
According to Joe Rutter of TribLIVE, Jones has gotten some work at left tackle with Fautanu on the right side, but Jones remains the right tackle with the starting lineup.
The presence of Dan Moore Jr., who has started 49 games over the past three seasons, gives Pittsburgh the option of slowly working Jones into his new role and Fautanu into his.
While the long-term plan is to move Jones to the left side permanently and start Fautanu in Jones' old spot, fans should expect to see Moore and Jones as the starting tackles in the preseason opener.
The Steelers have traditionally been patient with their rookies, and that's unlikely to change in 2024. That said, fans should also expect to see a fair amount of Jones and Fautanu working as bookend tackles throughout the preseason.
The rookie out of Washington may get the start for the second exhibition game and should play extensively throughout the preseason, as the Steelers gauge a timeline for him. Fautanu may have a few rookie struggles to start, but he should also flash his potential, especially against other teams' second and third units.
IOL Zach Frazier
2 of 3
Round 2 (No. 51 Overall)
Rookie second-round pick Zach Frazier is also battling for a starting job ahead of Week 1. The West Virginia was drafted to take over for departed center Dan Moore Jr., and he's a high-floor prospect who should be up to the challenge.
"Frazier is an experienced center-only prospect with adequate size, solid athletic ability and very good play strength that he combines with high-level football intelligence and competitive toughness to run the show pre-snap," Brandon Thorn of the Bleacher Report Scouting Department wrote.
Nate Herbig took the first-team reps earlier in the offseason, though, and is trying to claim the job, not just keep the seat warm for Frazier.
"I am serious about it. I am going to do my best to make sure we are all on the same page and things are running smoothly," Moore said, per Chris Adamski of TribLive.
Expect Frazier to also work with the second team early in the preseason, though, he should get a few first-team reps for evaluation purposes. As is the case with Fautanu, we may see some early ups and downs from the former Mountaineer, but Frazier should dominate against most backups.
WR Roman Wilson
3 of 3
Round 3 (No. 84 Overall)
It can be difficult for offensive linemen to make preseason highlight reels—at least for positive reasons. Rookie wideout Roman Wilson, however, will have every opportunity to do exactly that.
The Steelers are searching for a reliable second option behind George Pickens, and the former Michigan standout is already making a strong case.
"No one on the field was better on day three than Roman Wilson," Nick Farabaugh of PennLive wrote on Saturday. "...No one quite has his toughness and speed combination, so the role for him is easy to see."
Wilson is competing for reps with the likes of Calvin Austin III, Quez Watkins, Van Jefferson and Scotty Miller. However, the rookie has all the physical tools and intangibles needed to emerge as the top slot option.
While Wilson may not start the preseason opener, he should quickly establish himself as one of Pittsburgh's top three receivers. His speed (4.39-second 40-yard dash), route-running and field awareness should be on display during exhibition games and could lead to some huge plays against second- and third-team defenders.
The 2024 rookie class features a lot of receiver talent, but don't be surprised if Wilson comes out of the preseason looking like one of the biggest bargains of the draft.
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