Welcome to the Steel Curtain Network’s coverage of the 2024 NFL Draft.

I have been giving the distinction of trying to apply an initial letter grade for each of the Steelers selections in the 2024 NFL Draft. I must acknowledge that I have been doing this portion of our draft coverage for years, and I take the responsibility very seriously.

Every grade given is determined by perceived draft value based on pre-draft projections, and projected scheme fit with the Steelers. I take a concensus of all available evaluations into consideration as I formulate my draft board. Hopefully everyone enjoys the final product, because it really is a labor of love.

With all that being said, let’s get this party started.

With the 20th pick of the first round in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers have selected Washington Huskies OL Troy Fautanu.

If I am being honest, Fautanu was a surprise selection. A happy surprise, I might add. I have been incredibly high on his fit with the Steelers throughout the draft process. I have raved to my colleagues often about his excellent mobility, repeatedly pointing out his exceptional footwork. I believe that Fautanu has the smoothest footwork in this class of offensive linemen. He has true five position versatility across the offensive line. That versatility provides the Steelers some valuable insurance as they maneuver through the remainder of this draft. The Steelers still need to add another talented young offensive lineman  in the coming rounds, and Fautanu’s versatility will allow them to target the best prospect available.

I found the Fautanu pick to be surprising only because of the options left on the board at the time of his selection. It was widely reported that the Steelers were enamored with another five position versatile target in Duke OL Graham Barton. I have had a first round grade on both prospects throughout this draft process, but I dropped Fautanu slightly below Barton early this week when it was reported that Fautanu’s knee was redflagged during his medical exams. Obviously the Steelers medical staff weren’t concerned with the latest rumor.

The Steelers also had their pick of the top two cornerbacks in this class with Toledo CB Quinyon Mitchell and Alabama CB Terrion Arnold still on the board, but the Steelers stuck to their guns. I wholeheartedly believe that is the Andy Weidl effect. It’s way past time for the Steelers to rebuild both foundations, after years of neglect under Kevin Colbert. Drafting round bellies in the first round isn’t flashy, but without question completely necessary. Last year, the Steelers traded up for Broderick Jones. This year, they didn’t have to trade up for Fautanu. Which is good, because there is more work to be done.

I believe that the Steelers plan to start Fautanu out at tackle. Probably on the left side, where he has far more experience. Eventually, I expect him to move inside to guard, where I believe he has Pro Bowl potential. However, Fautanu possesses the athleticism and mobility to play RT for the Steelers. That would allow Jones to move back to LT.

Fautanu is slightly undersized for an offensive tackle at 6’4″ and 317 lbs. His 34-1/2″ arm length helps make up for his shorter stature. Fautanu’s versatility is a byproduct of his tweener status. Capable of playing tackle if needed, but probably better suited for guard eventually. The Steelers definitely need him at tackle to begin his NFL career. Fautanu is a great competitor and a high character individual. He should fit wonderfully with the Steelers, both in scheme fit and culture. Did I mention that he is a life-long Steelers fan, who couldn’t be happier to wear the Black and Gold?

That brings us to the grading portion of this article. Based on the parameters listed at the beginning of this article, I give Troy Fautanu’s first round selection an initial draft grade of A-.

As I mentioned earlier in this article, I had a mid to late first round grade on Fautanu. I trust that the Steelers did their due diligence in signing off on his selection. Outside of his medical uncertainty, Fautanu was definitely one of the better first round fits for the Steelers.

I want to welcome Troy Fautanu to the Pittsburgh Steelers franchise. Looking forward to watching you repping the black and gold.