Steelers Fans Applaud Troy Fautanu Draft Pick to Help Russell Wilson, Justin Fields

Julia StumbaughApril 26, 2024

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 1: Troy Fautanu #55 of the Washington Huskies in an offensive stance during the Pac-12 Championship game against the Oregon Ducks at Allegiant Stadium on December 1, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images)

Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images

The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Washington offensive lineman Troy Fautanu with the No. 20 pick of the 2024 draft.

After playing with No. 8 pick Michael Penix Jr. at Washington, Fautanu will now be called on to protect Steelers quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields.

Russell Wilson @DangeRussWilson
Welcome <a href="https://twitter.com/tFautanu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tFautanu</a> to the Burgh! <a href="https://twitter.com/steelers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Steelers</a> ⚫️🟡

He will join the Steelers after being named the top offensive lineman in the Pac-12 conference in 2023.

B/R Gridiron @brgridiron
Steelers are selecting Washington OT Troy Fautanu with pick No. 20, per <a href="https://twitter.com/Schultz_Report?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@schultz_report</a> <a href="https://t.co/h3KXeD7WNo">pic.twitter.com/h3KXeD7WNo</a>

Tom Pelissero @TomPelissero
The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Steelers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Steelers</a> have selected versatile Washington OL Troy Fautanu at No. 20. Cool story: Fautanu grew up a Steelers fan. His favorite player was Troy Polamalu. Now he's headed to Pittsburgh. <a href="https://t.co/49WGjX2cqs">pic.twitter.com/49WGjX2cqs</a>

Ray Fittipaldo @rayfitt1
Troy Fautanu grew up a big Steelers fan. One of the more versatile linemen in this draft. Should be plug-and-play at right tackle and allow the Steelers to move Broderick Jones to left tackle.

Fautanu will join an offensive line that also features 2023 first-round pick Broderick Jones.

Gerry Dulac @gerrydulac
Steelers went back to the offensive line for the second year in a row when they used their No. 1 pick on Washington tackle Troy Fautanu. It is the first time in franchise history the Steelers have drafted an offensive lineman on the first round in back-to-back years.

Fautanu was a two-year starter at Washington, mostly at left tackle, although he made two starts at left guard.

Jon Ledyard @LedyardNFLDraft
THE STEELERS NAILED A FIRST ROUND PICK

Emo Jimmy @WheelerJaylen
Steelers got Russell Wilson/Justin Fields some protection Najee Harris turning back the clock to his Alabama days George Pickens top 5 WR SZN Best defense in the NFL by a mile THE STEELERS ARE BACK!!! 🏆🐝 <a href="https://t.co/ni5of5h0EJ">pic.twitter.com/ni5of5h0EJ</a>

Fautanu was a key part of the reason the Washington offensive line was honored as the top OL in college football with 2023 Joe Moore Award.

The former Husky wore No. 43 at Washington in honor of former Steelers defensive back Troy Polamalu, who won two Super Bowls in Pittsburgh, according to Ryan Wilson of CBS Sports.

NFL on ESPN @ESPNNFL
Troy Fautanu got emotional after getting selected by the Steelers 🥹 <a href="https://t.co/uB0XZFUbaj">pic.twitter.com/uB0XZFUbaj</a>

He could now play key role in bolstering Pittsburgh's new quarterback room as the team looks to build back toward title contention.

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Nick Farabaugh @FarabaughFB
Omar Khan says they are 'excited' to bring in Troy Fautanu. Mike Tomlin says the tape 'is really, really impressive'.

Brooke Pryor @bepryor
Mike Tomlin on Troy Fautanu: "position aside, he was the highest-rated guy on our board."

Jon Ledyard @LedyardNFLDraft
Troy Fautanu is one of the freakiest OL athletes I've ever scouted. Ridiculously physical and strong. Some unorthodox technique, but he's so ridiculously talented he can play that way and still dominate. Great pick.

LPoke10 @Fo_Buck
With pick #20, the Steelers select Troy Fautanu! Whether it's Wilson or Fields, this pick gives a ton of versatility on that line!

Daniel Valente @StatsGuyDaniel
Troy Fautanu allowed just 2 sacks on 1231 pass blocking snaps over his last two seasons in college, per PFF. Welcome to the Steelers.

Given Fautanu's versatility in college, there is likely to be ongoing debate over where he would be most effective in the Steelers' offensive line.

Mike DeFabo @MikeDeFabo
Even though Troy Fautanu can play all five positions, Mike Tomlin said he's a tackle.

Jon Ledyard @LedyardNFLDraft
If it's up to me, I'm starting Fautanu and Broderick at OTs. Seumalo and Daniels at guards. And drafting a center tomorrow.

Austin Bechtold @AustinRBechtold
Troy Fautanu started all but two games at left tackle. He should slide over to right tackle for Broderick Jones to play left. It's the right pick. The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Steelers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Steelers</a> needed to continue their efforts to bolster the line and protect Wilson/Fields. Solid last two first-round picks.

The Steelers select next in the second round with pick No. 51. Pittsburgh could decide to further bolster the team's offensive depth around Wilson and Fields by drafting a wide receiver next.