What is the probability that the Steelers actually move Troy Fautanu to guard?
Many NFL scouts thought Troy Fautanu would be a very good tackle, but a Pro Bowl guard. Do the new Steelers coaches agree? And if they do, how committed are they to finding out? While Broderick Jones’ injury influenced the drafting of Max Iheanachor, did Fautanu’s flexibility factor into the equation?
For what it’s worth, HC Mike McCarthy did not dismiss the idea that the Steelers could move Troy Fautanu to guard. Right now, they are exploring their options throughout the offensive line. Coming out of college, he primarily played left tackle, but they moved him to the right side. So far this spring, he is playing both the left and right sides. But when they take the field for OTAs, will he also see some time at guard?
Troy Fautanu has played guard before, as a matter of fact, making two starts there in college. That’s not a lot, but it is a lot more than none at all. That means that, at a bare minimum, he has repped it enough to take the field in a game.
Of course, there is a problem with the idea of moving him. Fautanu is already a good tackle; arguably a very good tackle, perhaps with Pro Bowl potential. His technique in particular is superb—but also one of the reasons scouts believe he could kick inside.
Whether the Steelers have any motivation to move Troy Fautanu hinges on what happens elsewhere, particularly at tackle. If Broderick Jones is healthy and Max Iheanachor, their rookie first-round pick, looks like he can start right away, they can give this idea some very serious consideration.
But how long would it take them to draw that conclusion, and would there be enough time for Fautanu to make that transition? Or would they have to work him simultaneously at tackle and guard, hoping to keep the option open?
In theory, the best-case scenario would be Jones and Iheanachor locking down the tackle positions and Fautanu developing into the Steelers’ next great guard. But that certainly doesn’t feel like the most likely outcome this summer. It, or something like it, is within the realm of possibility. But if we were to handicap it, at what percentage is it likely to occur?
The Steelers have a long road ahead of them under Mike McCarthy, along with his cadre of quarterbacks.With seven consecutive postseason losses, and no wins in nearly a decade, they are under fire for their repeated playoff failures. While we have seen many changes, none could have dreamed of topping Mike Tomlin’s resignation.
We’re already deep into the offseason, with free agency and the draft already reshaping rosters. The Steelers, of course, are used to early offseason mode as a team thatloses by the middle of January all the time. Enjoy the ride, even the turbulence, because it’s the only way we know how to travel anymore.
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