The Pittsburgh Steelers are back on the field for OTAs, giving fans just a slight preview of the 2025 squad. Of course, for the Steelers, there are plenty of aspects missing, namely D.K. Metcalf and presumptive starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
However, there are other areas to focus on for the offense, particularly along the offensive line.
Pittsburgh’s offensive line is undergoing quite a shakeup in 2025, especially at the tackle positions. Broderick Jones, the 2023 first-round pick, slides back over to left tackle while Troy Fautanu, last year’s first-round pick, settles back in on the right side. The positions were confirmed, as expected, in today's first session of OTAs.
Pittsburgh Steelers starting tackles look to show they are ready to go in OTAs
Both players carry serious question marks into the new season. Jones has struggled to progress after he spent the first season flipping sides and getting minimal reps. Last year got off to a rough start at right tackle, but he eventually settled in as the season progressed. But a Year 3 swap back to the left side won’t be easy.
The former first-round pick now finds himself as the second-most experienced player on the starting front, hoping to pick up where he left off last season. Dan Moore Jr. had his best season as a pro in 2024, but it’s still not the highest bar to clear to satisfy Steelers fans -- though whoever is in at quarterback will likely hold him to a higher standard.
As for Fautanu, his lone start in Week 2 against the Denver Broncos was promising, but the lower body injuries that derailed his rookie season (a lingering ankle issue throughout training camp and the dislocated kneecap that ended his rookie season) are more than concerning.
As offseason activities progress toward training camp, fans just want a clean bill of health for the second-year lineman out of Washington.
So far, so good. Both players need clean reps, especially Fautanu. It’s difficult for any rookie to miss their first season while maintaining steady progression as a pro.
It’s just one day of OTAs, but both tackles look comfortable and fluid on the practice field. Jones isn’t showing labored or over-corrected movements, while Fautanu looks comfortable in his lower body. That’s about all Steelers fans can hope for at this stage in the offseason.