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In the NFL, shifting an offensive tackle from the right side to the left side is notoriously difficult. Often described as learning to write with your non-dominant hand, the move requires flipping muscle memory, footwork, and hand placement. Yet, as the Pittsburgh Steelers shift Troy Fautanu over to left tackle, defensive captain Cameron Heyward believes the young lineman possesses the unique skill set required to pull it off.
Speaking on his podcast, “Not Just Football with Cam Heyward,” the veteran defender broke down why Fautanu's natural traits differentiate him from typical linemen who struggle when forced to switch positions.
"It's a completely different position," Heyward acknowledged. "Troy's very gifted. Like I've always said Troy could be an amazing guard as well. He's just he plays with good pad level. He moves fluidly. Seeing him pull would be really special. Obviously he could be a lead blocker anywhere. A lot of tackles can't do that transition. I think Troy does that pretty gracefully."
That fluidity and leverage give Fautanu a rare physical toolkit. Heyward, who tests linemen daily during practice across every alignment, noted that versatility requires years of physical adaptation.
Drawing from his own early career experience learning to play multiple defensive line spots, Heyward emphasized that true positional flexibility comes from building a broad foundation of reps rather than staying boxed into one role.
Having a defender of Heyward's caliber validate Fautanu's movement skills offers strong reassurance for Pittsburgh's revamped offensive line. While many young tackles falter when asked to flip sides, Fautanu's low pad level and movement ability allow him to make the transition look smooth.
If Fautanu continues to adapt as gracefully as Heyward expects, the Steelers will have secured a gifted, highly adaptable anchor on the left side of their offensive front for years to come.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers Cam Heyward breaks down Troy Fautanu’s move to left tackle
Continue reading...
Speaking on his podcast, “Not Just Football with Cam Heyward,” the veteran defender broke down why Fautanu's natural traits differentiate him from typical linemen who struggle when forced to switch positions.
"It's a completely different position," Heyward acknowledged. "Troy's very gifted. Like I've always said Troy could be an amazing guard as well. He's just he plays with good pad level. He moves fluidly. Seeing him pull would be really special. Obviously he could be a lead blocker anywhere. A lot of tackles can't do that transition. I think Troy does that pretty gracefully."
That fluidity and leverage give Fautanu a rare physical toolkit. Heyward, who tests linemen daily during practice across every alignment, noted that versatility requires years of physical adaptation.
Drawing from his own early career experience learning to play multiple defensive line spots, Heyward emphasized that true positional flexibility comes from building a broad foundation of reps rather than staying boxed into one role.
Having a defender of Heyward's caliber validate Fautanu's movement skills offers strong reassurance for Pittsburgh's revamped offensive line. While many young tackles falter when asked to flip sides, Fautanu's low pad level and movement ability allow him to make the transition look smooth.
If Fautanu continues to adapt as gracefully as Heyward expects, the Steelers will have secured a gifted, highly adaptable anchor on the left side of their offensive front for years to come.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers Cam Heyward breaks down Troy Fautanu’s move to left tackle
Continue reading...
