PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – With options at receiver and all of the center available, the Steelers went with Washington tackle Troy Fautanu with the 20th pick in the first round.
Known for his nastiness at Washington, most NFL Draft experts had the 6'3 ¾" 317-pound tackle in the top 15. He started all 15 games for the NCAA runners-up at left tackle in 2023 allowing a pair of sacks. Fautanu is known more for his pass than run blocking and there are reports of long-term knee concerns.
He was the sixth tackle taken in the first round and also played some left guard earlier in his career at Washington.
With six quarterbacks going in the first 12 picks, the board really slid the Steelers way, especially after a run of defensive players before their pick.
A few who visited the Steelers, but were picked before they drafted
· Taliese Fuaga-OT (Oregon State)-Saints 14th
· Amarius Mims-OT (Georgia)-Bengals 18th
