Steelers banking on offensive line investment paying off
PITTSBURGH, Pa. (BLACK AND GOLD NATION) – Pittsburgh has selected five offensive linemen in Omar Khan's first two drafts as general manager. The Steelers are now hoping that investment will pay off in 2025.
'All the teams that end up winning on Sundays usually starts up front,' Steelers offensive tackle Troy Fautanu said.
'Chiseled' Cole Holcomb ready to make impact in return from injury
In 2023 and 2024, tackles Broderick Jones and Fautanu were first-round picks in back-to-back drafts. Khan doubled down on adding to the unit in the 2024 NFL draft with second-round center Zach Frazier and fourth-round guard Mason McCormick.
'It's super awesome because we all have that same goal (to win), we all have the same mindset coming to work every single day,' Fautanu said. '(Our work is) going to pay dividends on Sundays once we finally are able to go out there and put it all together.'
This is expected to be the year for the entire core to put it all together. Veteran offensive guard Isaac Seumalo may not be vocal, but his consistent play and steadiness do all the talking that he needs to lead the young group.
Frazier's strong rookie season gives plenty of confidence that he's the center the Steelers have needed since Maurkice Pouncey retired.
'He doesn't seem like a guy going into his second year. He seems like a mature guy and mature veteran already,' Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph said.
'You could just see as the year went on, his confidence grew and he's (comfortable) out there running the show,' Fautanu said.
McCormick, who started 14 games in his rookie campaign, showed plenty of promise as well and should grow heading into his second year. Meanwhile, Fautanu is ready to step up after missing nearly the entirety of his rookie season with a knee injury.
'(My rehab) was a long process, but something that I'm getting used to now, it's just a part of who I am and the player that I have to be,' Fautanu said. 'I'm just super excited to finally be back out here and be with the guys.'
After playing his first two seasons at right tackle, Jones is finally moving back to his natural position at left tackle with the departure of Dan Moore Jr.
'He looks good,' Fautanu said. 'We're all excited to be at the spots that we are.'
'Broderick is an athletic guy,' Rudolph said. 'Talking to him, he seems more comfortable there on the left, and he's done a great job.'
The Steelers wrap up week two of Organized Team Activities on Thursday.
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