When asked if he would ever play on the right side, Pittsburgh Steelers left tackle Dan Moore Jr. gave an honest response during the first week of organised practice. Moore simply doesn’t feel comfortable with it, which may be the reason rookie Troy Fautanu is playing there.
Moore remarked, “I would probably feel exactly the same way I felt last year.” Not every individual can be on both teams. The fortunate and physically fit are the ones who can. But I follow their instructions.
In past years, the Steelers tried experimenting with Dan Moore Jr. on the right side, but it never worked out well. But in his three seasons, Moore has also failed to establish himself as a dominant left tackle. According to PFF, Moore gave up the second-most pressures on passes against left tackles last season with 56, ranking him second overall.
Steelers’ first-round selection Troy Fautanu had a welcome to the NFL moment on the first day of OTAs, as he he got beat clean on his first rep during a 11-on-11 session. Justin Fields would have been sacked if it was a game setting.
Fautanu played most of his career at Washington at left tackle, except for a few games when he kicked inside to left guard due to injuries. The Steelers are starting him on the right side, so that’s another big adjustment for the rookie.
Fautanu said Moore, Broderick Jones and Isaac Seumalu have been taking him under their wing and showing him what it takes to prepare and play in the NFL.
Even though he’s in competition with him for a starting spot, Moore reached out to Fautanu shortly after he got drafted by the Steelers back in April.
“Yeah, I mean, the kid just got drafted. It’s probably the best moment of his life. I remember that moment. I know that I would want to be welcomed,” Moore said in regards to reaching out to Fautanu. “We are happy to help him. He’s going to push a lot of people in this room. [We’re] working to help him grow.”
Nick Farabaugh contributed reporting from Pittsburgh.
