Steelers rookie O-linemen can find early roles thanks to 'versatility'

The Steelers invested three of their first five picks in the 2024 NFL Draft on offensive linemen.

Pittsburgh selected offensive tackle Troy Fautanu in the first round, center Zach Frazier in the second round and guard Mason McCormick in the fourth round.

It's a long-due overhaul, but finding roles for all three could be difficult if they were all strapped to one position. Luckily for the team, that's not the case.

Fautanu, who played primarily at left tackle during his collegiate career at Washington, showcased his versatility by exclusively playing at right tackle on the first day of rookie minicamp.

"Back in college, they did a really good job of making sure we could play both sides," Fautanu said. "Regardless if the quarterback can see my rusher or not, I've got to block the guy. So that's my mindset, whether I'm on the back side or front side."

The Steelers drafted offensive tackle Broderick Jones in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. However, he played out of position at right tackle last season while veteran Dan Moore Jr. played on the left side.

If Pittsburgh intends to stick to its plan of moving Jones back to his primary position of left tackle, a spot will open up at right tackle for Fautanu to take.

Like Fautanu, McCormick has proven early versatility. He played primarily at left guard during his collegiate career at South Dakota State but exclusively at right guard on Friday.

"At South Dakota State, they prepared me for everything," McCormick said. "They wanted us to be as versatile as possible and I think that's something that can help all of us at the next level."

McCormick is unlikely to find a starting role on Day 1 with veterans Isaac Seumalo and James Daniels returning in 2024, but he could be one unfortunate injury away from being in the starting lineup.

As for Frazier, he'll be plug-and-play at center after Pittsburgh never added another since releasing 2023 starter Mason Cole earlier this offseason.

The Steelers may have landed three pillars on their offensive line for many years to come, and thanks to their versatility, Pittsburgh will likely see all three on the field at some point this season.