One bold prediction for Steelers No. 20 overall pick Troy Fautanu in 2024 NFL season

The Pittsburgh Steelers continued to build their offensive line through the draft with the selection of Troy Fautanu with the No. 20 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.  With the selection, the Steelers are getting a workmanlike tackle who is tough and will help define the future of the offensive line.

In pairing Fautanu with their 2023 first round pick Broderick Jones, the Steelers are securing their tackle positions with the Washington product primed to take over the starting role at left tackle.  In adding interior offensive lineman Zach Frazier in the second round, Pittsburgh is building a young, tough blue-collar O-line to protect either Russell Wilson or Justin Fields.  It is also the type of line that should help the run game excel as Fauntanu does have experience in run scheme zone concepts.

At 6-foot-4, 317 pounds, his combination of power and athleticism will eventually stand out for the Steelers, especially in protecting an agile quarterback with the ability to extend plays.

What the Pittsburgh Steelers could have in Troy Fautanu

Although working through an injury suffered in the preseason, Fautanu should be the starting left tackle come Week 1.  It will take him some time to find his comfort in the NFL at tackle, but his versatility and ability to also play guard gives the Steelers flexibility to work with on a line that now features Fautanu, Jones and Frazier. 

In all the Steelers will have a player who likes to get out there and compete and a player who will look great in the black and gold.

Here is what Steelers head coach Tomlin said about Fautanu following the selection, via ESPN:

"His relationship with the game is a pure one, man. He's a competitor. He loves football, he loves the things that come with football, based on talking to those around him, the preparation things, the training, the practice. He's a black-and-gold type of a guy."

Bold prediction for the 2024 NFL season

Once healthy, Fautanu will go through some rookie pains to start the season, especially against teams that blitz as he will have a tough time in reaction.  However, once he finds his comfort and settles down, the Steelers’ rookie will become the team’s anchor along the offensive line.  He’ll be ranked among the middle of the pack as far as offensive tackles in the league, but he will showcase enough force as a pass protector to show the Steelers they were right in taking him No. 20 overall.