There are certain players in the NFL who come into the league with certain expectations heaped on them from Day 1. If you are drafted on Day 1 or 2 of any NFL Draft, those expectations come with the territory, and for the Pittsburgh Steelers 2024 draft class it absolutely means players like Troy Fautanu are expected to be great much sooner than others.

Fautanu has been working hard to try and create a role for himself along the offensive line, and since the end of minicamp to three days into training camp, Fautanu is feeling good about where he is and the progress he’s made.

“I feel great, honestly,” said Fautanu. “I feel like these last few days have been really good. Just taking steps, making sure that I don’t drop off from the last day of mandatory minicamp to day one on training camp. It didn’t happen. So, I feel like I’m just taking steps day by day, just making sure I get better every day.”

When it comes to having success in the NFL, very few can do it alone. Instead, players typically need help. Often times this comes from coaches, but it can also come from fellow players who are in the trenches with one another. Players who have been there and done that at the highest level. For Fautanu, he’s getting help from several veterans, but one in particular.

“I would say (I am leaning on) all the guys,” said Fautanu. “But to pick out a couple, Dan, Isaac for sure. I’m kind of like Isaac’s rookie, making sure he’s taken care of if he needs anything. Just because I know any time I ask that guy a question, he’s always there to answer it. Everyone in the room has been so helpful. Just making sure that I’m taken care of as well.”

Talking specifically about Fautanu, you have to wonder if he’s put any pressure on himself because he wasn’t just drafted, but was drafted by his favorite team. Does he ever look around and have to pinch himself to the fact he is now a member of the black-and-gold?

“I mean, it still happens in my head,” said Fautanu. “I see some of the guys I grew up watching. Just kind of making sure that I’m being a professional and making sure I go about my business, and I don’t bother anybody too much.

“But for sure, in my head I’m still the middle schooler or high schooler that that grew up loving the Steelers.”

Could the Pittsburgh Steelers have found a player who isn’t just a perfect fit for the team, but also a player who could start right away as one of the bookend tackles on the offensive line? The Steelers have said they are open to it, but Fautanu is going to have to earn it. He’s going to have to prove he is capable and worthy of locking down the opposite side of the offensive line.

Can he get the job done? That has yet to be seen, but he certainly has put a good foot forward to start camp, but the first true test will be on Tuesday when the pads come on for the first time of training camp. Fautanu will be a player to watch when those practices take place.

Be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the rest of training camp and get ready for the preseason.