Brain Baldinger Labels Steelers OL Troy Fautanu 'Instant Impact Rookie'

The Pittsburgh Steelers defense was never a question last season - a season that saw the team make the playoffs regardless of sub-par play under center. This offseason, general manager Omar Khan has completely turned over the quarterback room and presumably enhanced the offensive line in April's NFL Draft.

Khan selected Washington Huskies offensive tackle Troy Fautanu with the No. 20 overall pick of the first round. And NFL analyst and game tape guru Brian Baldinger named Fautanu an instant impact rookie during an appearance on NFL Network's The Insiders with Tom Pelissero.

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"I'm a big fan of Troy Fautanu," he said. "I thought he was a good run-blocking offensive tackle as there was in all of college football last year. And he's gonna get the chance right away in Pittsburgh in the Black and Gold, to be able to put those skills on notice. Those are the kinds of things that I'm gonna notice. His ability to move big bodies with his big body."

Baldinger knows a little something about playing offensive line. He started his pro career in 1982 with the Dallas Cowboys and spent time with the Colts, Bills and Eagles through 1993 before he retired.

His "Baldy's Breakdowns" analyst videos routinely show him breaking down offensive line play and he clearly has an eye for players and talent there.

While Fautanu might be able to have an immediate impact, we would think it won't be anywhere near the impact he'll have later after he develops a little more and gains some experience at the NFL level.

But for the Steelers, if he can contribute at all as a rookie, it could help quarterback Russell Wilson find success in his first season in Pittsburgh.

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