Steelers Select Troy Fautanu In the First Round Of The 2024 NFL Draft

Fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers have waited for months for the 2024 NFL Draft since the 2023 season ended at the hands of the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card Round. There was plenty of speculation surrounding General Manager Omar Khan and if he could potentially be interested in trading up in the first round of the draft, but the result was staying put at 20th overall. The newest Steeler will be Troy Fautanu out of the University of Washington.

The tackle will likely be asked to move to the right side, even though, he is looked at as a stellar left tackle, and overall, freak athlete. Broderick Jones will be able to quickly move over to the left (if that's the plan) where he can stay for the next decade. However, Fautanu is one of the most versatile linemen in the class. He could theoretically fit in at any position on the entire line. 

The Steelers could have went a number of different ways based on how the board fell in the first round, but it's clear they had a high grade on Fautanu and he will be wearing a black and gold jersey in 2024 and beyond. Dan Moore Jr. might not have much time left in Pittsburgh. Khan traded two offensive linemen before the 2023 regular season began, but that's unlikely with Moore, who can operate as a swing tackle when/if Fautanu wins the battle in training camp.

No one at this point is sure of what the plans are for Fautanu. Booting out Moore sooner rather than later and keeping Jones on the right, while Fautanu resumes the role on the right isn't a crazy assumption either. He's a freak athlete and the selection confirms what fans expected all along: a big, and athletic offensive lineman would be coming to the Steel City.

Steelers Officially Fill Void That Was Lingering On The Offensive Line

The goal all along was to get the offensive lineman in Jones over to his nature side on the left. That is now absolutely a possibility with this selection, unless Jones stays on the right and Fautanu hops in for Moore when the rookie is ready. Pittsburgh has made it a point to revamp the offensive line in recent years and that will likely continue in the draft. Center is still an extremely important piece that the team has no answer for. Keep an eye on someone like Zach Frazier in the second round.

Fautanu moving to center is unlikely, but the rest of draft weekend will give fans a better idea of what the plan is overall on the offensive line. Steelers fans will love Fautanu's history with Pittsburgh.

Overall, the pick is a solid and safe pick. Fautanu did have some health questions, but those weren't enough to keep Khan and Head Coach Mike Tomlin couldn't stay away.

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