Steelers' Troy Fautanu Absolutely Comfortable That His Versatility Will Help The Team In 2024

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Troy Fautanu in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Fautanu was a key member of the Washington Huskies offensive line that won the Joe Moore Award as the nation's top unit in 2023. Fautanu also won the Morris Trophy as the top individual offensive lineman in the Pac-12. 

Mike Tomlin and Pat Meyer have demonstrated in recent years that they prefer versatility in their offensive linemen. The former Washington tackle arrived in Pittsburgh on Friday afternoon and held his first press conference as a member of the team. He was asked how his ability to play multiple positions may have influenced the Steelers' selection at pick number 20. 

"I just always felt that athleticism was something that I could be good at," Fautanu said. "My coaches did a really great job in putting me in situations where I could kind of showcase that. Especially [these] past two years with Ryan Grubb as our OC. He put me out on screens; I was pulling on the counter. Just things like that. Them being able to put me in those positions, I wouldn't be here without them. Hats off to them for sure."

Pittsburgh has never had an offensive tackle selected as a First Team All-Pro, but that does not mean that they have not had some good ones in their history. Since Chuck Noll's days, Pittsburgh has valued versatile, athletic offensive linemen.

Fautanu played guard and tackle during his time at Washington, and a rumor circulated on draft night that he could also play center. Tomlin emphatically dismissed that notion and proclaimed Fautanu a tackle. The rookie did not contradict his head coach, but volunteered to be prepared and would do whatever it took to help the team. 

"I pretty much played every position in college in games," Fautanu concluded. "Our coach did a really good job of cross training us and making sure we were ready for any opportunity that presented itself. I'm comfortable with it. I'm ready to contribute."

2023 first-round draft pick, Broderick Jones only started one game at left tackle for Pittsburgh last season. The addition of Fautanu, who is also a good athlete who may be able to plug and play at left or right tackle (and guard), gives Meyer and Arthur Smith the best possible chance to field the strongest unit possible to protect Russell Wilson in 2024.

Steelers' Recent Failed Experiments In Versatility Should Not Be Held Against Troy Fautanu

Pittsburgh has had some recent bad luck with offensive linemen out of position. Kevin Dotson could not transition to left guard successfully in Pittsburgh, but had an outstanding year with the Los Angeles Rams as a right guard. The Steelers played Kendrick Green out of position at center and then toyed with making him a fullback before sending him to the Houston Texans, who moved him back to guard. 

Fautanu is a first-round talent as a tackle who is versatile enough to move to other positions if necessary. Steelers fans would be wrong to dismiss his ability to play other positions as a signal that Tomlin and the Steelers will not put him in the best possible position to help the team and thrive in the NFL.