As expected, O-linemen continue to be popular in the first round. Likewise, the Steelers’ top choice comes at an expected position. Pittsburgh used the No. 20 pick on Washington offensive lineman Troy Fautanu.
The Steelers had been linked to using their first-round pick on a blocker for a bit now. While a Thursday rumor mentioned Duke tackle/center Graham Barton as a target, this year’s deep tackle group presented an opportunity for Pittsburgh to add a higher-value player. This marks the second straight year the Steelers have gone O-line in Round 1; they chose Broderick Jones last year.
Fautanu spent the past two seasons as a full-time starter at Washington, including a 2023 campaign where he earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors while blocking for Michael Penix Jr.. That performance helped put the lineman in the first-round conversation for the 2024 draft. Fautanu has generally been lauded for his speed and athleticism, and the 6-foot-4, 317-pound lineman certainly has the physical attributes to compete as an NFL offensive tackle.
The Washington product was considered a first-round pick for much of the pre-draft process and was mentioned in the same breath as the five rookie linemen selected before him. However, Fautanu’s positional uncertainty may have led to him being the sixth OL off the board.
Some pundits projected the prospect as an interior lineman in the NFL, with some even declaring him the best draft option at that guard. However, considering the appeal of tackles, that sentiment may have ended up hurting the player’s draft stock. There was some growing optimism that Fautanu would be able to play tackle in the NFL, and it will be interesting to see how the Steelers proceed with their rookie lineman.
There shouldn’t be much in the way between Fautanu and a starting OT spot in 2024. With Jones rumored to be sliding from right to left tackle — his primary college position — this year, a Fautanu path to the lineup could include a competition with Dan Moore Jr. for RT work. But the Steelers have some additional flexibility — and a potential long-term solution — thanks to their latest O-line investment.
Love the pick. Build back that line.
Nice. Protection for russ
Drafted a mountain, but still hoping for one of those centers and to fill our other needs. Maybe we can trade up into the top of the 2nd round.
I’m not upset with this pick but thought for sure they were going to go Burton and assure the center position was taken care of.
But they were also linked to Mims so if they get a RT out of this and have their bookends taken care of then I’m happy
Doesn’t make sense…they needed a tackle or center. Not a guard. Guess they are going to move him to tackle. But then why not just draft a tackle like Barton. Remember Kendrick Greens move to center. Monumental flop…
He played over 2000 snaps at tackle in college. Homerun pick.
…in college.
6’4 317 is either a mediocre NFL tackle or an elite NFL guard.
So…they probably have to use him at G in order for him to pan out but the need is at T.
Weird pick on the surface, but…we’ll see what the plan is.
Doesn’t make sense to me….you don’t draft a guard to play tackle when there were other worthwhile tackles on the board. AND THEY NEEDED A CENTER. Reckless pick
He’s not a guard. He was only listed that way thanks to his height and weight. Read his comments in this morn’s Trib
To be truthful, they needed a center *and* a tackle. Other than Barton, all of the top centers are still available
I’m much more concerned that they haven’t addressed the wide receiver situation. I’m guessing that they’ll either dive in to the “deep” draft at some point or make a play for an Aiyuk, Sutton or Boyd after the draft somehow.
Bucco, I guess I’m saying that patience is a virtue here. No doubt they’ll get a center and perhaps D-lineman or slot corner. But how they get a stud receiver is anyone’s guess
Maybe the kid from west Virginia,the center,in the second round.
He’s still available, of course, but so are Powers-Johnson, who many felt would be gone in the 1st round, Van Pan Granger from Georgia, and Penn State’s Nourzad
So they are in fine shape
I’m beating a dead horse here, but your concerns about center are well founded and I’m hoping they can grab one and a big time wideout. I don’t see the latter, however
I think the only way they grab a top notch receiver, is by second day trade or whsts left on the market. Might get lucky with a later draft WR PICK
Good pick. He will be just fine at LT in NFL. Love his footwork. Thinking they went for who they saw as best OL available rather than best C available. I love the kid from WV hoping we snag him in the 2nd. Take a WR and CB in the 3rd.