In a year that has already seen a dramatic reshuffling of the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback room, their sights set on further bolstering the offense have encountered a potential snag. Troy Fautanu, a top draft target for the Steelers, might have just performed his way out of their reach with a stellar showing at his Pro Day, signaling a wave of change in the 2024 NFL Draft dynamics.
Troy Fautanu’s Rising Stock Poses Draft Day Challenge
At the heart of the Steelers’ revamped strategy is the aim to fortify their offensive line, specifically targeting Washington’s left tackle, Troy Fautanu. Known for his agility and protective prowess, Fautanu’s recent Pro Day performance has sent his stock soaring, with scouts now projecting him as a possible top-10 pick.
Given the Steelers’ current draft position at No. 20 overall, snagging Fautanu now appears a more formidable challenge than initially anticipated.
Fautanu’s impressive outing is not just a testament to his growing appeal but also a reflection of his critical role in Washington’s offense. The Huskies’ penchant for deep throws, a staggering 574 attempts, highlighted Fautanu’s exceptional ability to uphold protection during these long-developing plays.
His contribution has been pivotal, allowing just three sacks in roughly 2.5 seasons and earning First Team All-PAC-12 honors consecutively, along with the prestigious Morris Trophy in 2023.
Washington OT Troy Fautanu over the past two seasons:
🟣 1,161 Pass Block Snaps
🟣 2 Sacks Allowed
🟣 86.0 Pass Block Grade pic.twitter.com/7WRsjB0rRm— PFF College (@PFF_College) March 26, 2024
Pittsburgh Steelers’ Quarterback Quandary
The urgency to secure a talent like Fautanu is underscored by the Steelers’ ambitious offseason moves, acquiring quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields to create a uniquely intriguing quarterback dynamic in the league.
However, both Wilson and Fields have shown tendencies for slower throws, leading the league in average time to throw in 2023. This propensity has made them the most sacked quarterbacks since the 2022 season, spotlighting the pressing need for robust offensive line support to enhance their performance and longevity on the field.
The Draft Strategy Dilemma
The Steelers’ interest in Fautanu was evident when their offensive line coach, Pat Meyer, and area scout, Mark Bruener, made their presence felt at Washington’s Pro Day. With Fautanu’s stock rising, Pittsburgh may have to recalibrate their draft strategy, possibly exploring trades to move up or identifying alternative prospects that can similarly elevate their offensive line.
Despite concerns about Fautanu’s size—measuring in at 6-foot-3, which is typically considered below the ideal height for a tackle—his proven versatility and performance have set him apart. His ability to excel in a high-volume passing offense while maintaining exemplary protection is a rare find in the draft, making him an asset worth pursuing.
Looking Ahead
As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, the Pittsburgh Steelers are at a strategic crossroads. With a keen eye on revitalizing their offense to complement their dynamic quarterback duo, securing a top-notch offensive lineman like Troy Fautanu remains a priority.
However, Fautanu’s rising draft stock presents both a challenge and a testament to his undeniable talent and potential impact at the professional level.
The Steelers, known for their strategic acumen and ability to adapt, may still have a few moves up their sleeve as they navigate the complexities of the draft. The coming weeks will be critical in shaping their roster for the 2024 season, as they aim to construct an offense that can compete at the highest level.
Source: Fansided
