The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the 2024 NFL Draft with seven picks over the three-day event, including four in the top 100.
The Steelers opened the draft by bolstering their offensive line with Washington’s Troy Fautanu, who started at left tackle for the Huskies but is seen by some as having five-position flexibility.
Pittsburgh has a need at center, where two-year starter Mason Cole was released and not replaced. They also need a wide receiver, where Diontae Johnson was traded and replaced with only depth signings, and perhaps a cornerback and a defensive lineman.
Keep coming back here throughout the draft for analysis and grades for each Steelers pick.
NFL Draft 2024 tracker: Live blog, pick-by-pick grades and analysis
Big board best available: Who’s left from Dane Brugler’s Top 300?
Draft pick grades: Nick Baumgardner, Scott Dochterman rate the selections
Full draft order: Team picks for all 257 selections
“The Athletic Football Show”: Watch live reaction to the draft
Round 1
No. 20: Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington
How he fits
One of the most versatile players in this draft, Fautanu is a bit of an oddly shaped offensive lineman — in a good way. At 6-foot-3, 317, Fautanu plays low to the ground but also has great length with 34 1/2-inch arms. A left tackle at Washington, Fautanu is one of the most athletic offensive linemen in the class and a possible five-position prospect who could absolutely play guard or tackle — and possibly even center.
The Steelers need help in the middle of their offensive line. It wouldn’t be a shock if he gets a shot inside at center. If that doesn’t work out, he could play opposite Broderick Jones or inside at guard. This is a great draft pick and outstanding value at No. 20.
Dane Brugler’s analysis
Fautanu is explosive on the move and at contact with the foot quickness, body control and temperament to stack wins in both pass protection and as a run blocker in the NFL. Though he has the talent to remain at tackle, his skill set also projects well to guard and center, and he offers legitimate five-position potential at the next level.
Grade: A
Round 2
No. 51
Round 3
No. 84
No. 98 (compensatory, from Eagles)
Round 4
No. 119
Round 5
No picks
Round 6
No. 178 (from Cardinals)
No. 195
Round 7
No picks
(Photo of Troy Fautanu: Steph Champbers / Getty Images)
