Some members of the Pittsburgh Steelers are only one exhibition game into their NFL careers... but that has been enough to catch the eye of both the fanbase and the coaching staff.
With three weeks of training camp under their belt and one preseason game in the books, the Steelers are busy attempting to order their 2024 depth chart. Historically, Mike Tomlin has always favored veteran players over rookies when the competition is close. But that could soon change.
We recently learned that the Steelers are planning on starting at least one Steelers rookie to begin the 2024 season. Fortunately, he's not the only one who has been impressive. Here are three rookies on Pittsburgh's roster who are already looking like starters in the preseason.
C Zach Frazier
Even before he was selected by the Steelers in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Zach Frazier didn't wow draft evaluators with his physical profile or athletic traits. During one-on-one drills at Steelers training camp, Frazier was bullied by defensive tackles like Montravius Adams and Breiden Fehoko.
However, when you plug Frazier in at center during team sessions, everything changes. The West Virginia prospect simply knows how to play football. When it comes to recognizing the defense, turning and sealing defenders, getting to the second level, and picking up stunts, Frazier already looks like a veteran who's poised to start.
Frazier had a brilliant showing in his first preseason game against the Texans, and he deserves to push Nate Herbig for the starting center job by the start of the regular season.
LB Payton Wilson
Payton Wilson hasn't been perfect, but what linebacker is? Since being listed as one of the biggest steals of the 2024 NFL Draft, Wilson has not disappointed. His closing speed and ability to effortlessly slip blocks and make plays at and behind the line of scrimmage pop on tape, and he recently drew comparisons to an all-time great linebacker.
The NC State product had a brilliant first quarter against the Texans in the preseason opener before fatigue and playing alongside backups brought his performance back down to earth.
While the Steelers have their starting linebackers in place with Patrick Queen and Elandon Roberts, Wilson is showing why he has the makings of a starter and why it will be hard to keep him off the field.
OT Troy Fautanu
Steelers fans expected more from Troy Fautanu in his first preseason game. The 2024 first-round pick had a few sloppy reps that stood out on film, but his kick slide and ability to get to the second level with ease had us intrigued.
Unfortunately, Fautanu sustained a minor knee injury in the preseason opener against the Texans and has already been ruled out for the Steelers' second exhibition contest against the Bills. The good news is that the rookie offensive tackle was looking dominant at Steelers training camp to the point where Pittsburg is ready to hand him the reins to the starting right tackle job when he returns.
Competing with a veteran with three years of starting experience and another first-round pick, Fautanu was reportedly the first tackle to secure his starting spot on the Steelers for the 2024 season.