Two NFL analysts have identified third-year offensive tackle Troy Fautanu as the biggest X-factor for the Pittsburgh Steelers heading into the 2026 season.
ESPN’s Mina Kimes and former NFL scout Brentley Weissman highlighted Fautanu’s rapid improvement after he missed most of his rookie year with knee injuries. In his second season, Fautanu started every game at right tackle, playing 1,088 snaps and allowing just 31 pressures and three sacks, according to the analysts. Weissman noted that Fautanu ranked 17th among NFL tackles in pass block win rate last year and called his ceiling sky high after being drafted out of Washington.