Could the star Washington tackle be the answer for the Steelers at tackle… or even center?

Update: With the 20th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Washington offensive tackle Troy Fautanu. Fautanu, who had grown up a Steelers fan idolizing another Troy (Polamalu), figures as a Day 1 starter given the struggles of Dan Moore Jr. at left tackle in the 2023 season, tied for the fifth-most pressures allowed among all offensive linemen (56).

The biggest question remaining is how the Steelers will decide to configure the offensive line. Last year, they selected offensive tackle Broderick Jones in Round 1, a career left tackle, eventually sliding him to right tackle after the benching of starter Chuks Okorafor. It was clear he was slightly out of place there, however, which left most believing the Steelers would look to draft a true right tackle and slide him back over to left.

Though Fautanu has also played his career on the left side of the line, don’t be surprised if Pittsburgh does try to configure him to RT. Regardless, there could be some trial and error as they explore their options through OTAs, seeking find the best configuration, chemistry-wise.

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Approaching the 2024 NFL Draft, we’ll be scouting as many of the top prospects that the Pittsburgh Steelers could have their eye on anywhere from Rounds 1 through 7. We’ll breakdown the prospects themselves, strengths and weaknesses, projected draft capital and their fit with the Steelers.

Washington’s Troy Fautanu is one of the best offensive linemen in the 2024 NFL Draft, but he’s also among the most polarizing. He’s projected to be a starting-caliber player at tackle, guard, or even center depending on who you ask.

The basics on Troy Fautanu

• Position: Offensive tackle
• Class: Redshirt senior (Washington)
• Size: 6’4, 317 pounds
• Age: 23 years old
• Projected draft round: Round 1

Troy Fautanu scouting report

If there’s one positive everyone can agree on regarding Troy Fautanu’s game, it’s his athleticism. The Washington tackle’s lateral mobility pops off the screen (left tackle, No. 55 in all clips).

He also has no issues directing defenders up the arc.

His footwork is rapid and smooth, and while his hand technique could use some work at the next level, his upper half is always active and alert.

And here’s Fautanu pulling. He’s a tremendously fluid athlete for his size, which really opens up his usage in the run game. And unlike some linemen who do a great job of getting from point A to point B but don’t do much once they get there, Fautanu actually connects on blocks in space.

Fautanu’s length has been the subject of controversy this draft cycle. Onscreen, he appears to have a squatty build for an offensive lineman, almost like a center (more on that later), with shorter arms. There’s evidence for it on tape, as Fautanu can have problems sustaining blocks on the edge.

However, the Washington tackle’s arms measured at 34.5 inches at the NFL Combine, clearing the unofficial accepted minimum for NFL offensive tackles. Formerly seen as a prospect who would have to switch to the interior, now his passable measurables and clear athleticism make him an intriguing option at tackle.

Still, length isn’t the only potential flaw in Fautanu’s game. I never saw him get embarrassingly driven back into the quarterback, but I did notice he wasn’t always a stone wall against pass-rushes in the same way some of the better tackles are in this year’s class. Fautanu generally finds his anchor later in the play, often getting jolted back initially.

There were highlights, though. Fautanu has a knack for viciously chopping down unsuspecting speed rushers, resulting in a number of plays like the one below.

While Fautanu is a good run blocker, I wouldn’t place him in the road grader category. Besides combo blocks, in the games I watched I didn’t find many instances of him really driving defenders back in the run game. However, Fautanu has a superb understanding of leverage and angles, often subtly turning defenders to clear rushing lanes.

I don’t want to paint Fautanu as a passive figure in the run game, though. He’s anything but. While I wanted to see some more power from him against bigger linemen, Fautanu did have his share of impact blocks against smaller rushers, showing his nasty demeanor as a blocker. In the clip below you can also see Fautanu’s habit of grabbing and pulling defenders, a technique he gets away with a lot, but not always.

He’s aggressive, which is good, but it can get the best of him at times. Fautanu can occasionally put his head down and lean too much into blocks, quickly getting off balance and losing the rep.

Still, his recovery athleticism is something special. There were multiple instances on tape where Fautanu got spun around but was still able to reconnect on his block.

I’ll be honest — while I was wowed by Fautanu’s athleticism, I was still left wanting a bit more in terms of his physicality. When looking at future NFL tackle prospects, you want an imposing lineman who can bulldoze at the line of scrimmage. Fautanu, although a hard-nosed, high-effort player, didn’t offer much of that. And while his arm length checks out, there’s no denying that the length concerns still do pop up on tape from time to time. A good scheme fit and coaching could result in Fautanu’s athletic skillset landing him a starting job at tackle, but as of right now, his best fit still seems to be on the inside at the NFL level.

Strengths

• Extremely versatile, could be a fit at all five offensive line positions
• Elite all-around quickness and agility
• Smart, high-effort player

Weaknesses

• Solid, but less than ideal length
• Lacks ideal power, leg drive
• Can lean too much into blocks

What others are saying about Troy Fautanu

Ian Cummings of Pro Football Network

Well-built blocker with an exceptional mix of natural leverage and proportional length… Unnaturally elastic, energetic athlete with snappy hip flexibility and corrective mobility… Knows how to use his base alignment to funnel rushers into areas they can be corralled… Explosive capacity off the snap might be a notch below the elite mark… Hands don’t always carry elite knock-back force, sometimes failing to jar opponents… At times, can be a tick late recorrecting outside when blitz threats inside draw attention.

PFF.com

Fautanu is one of the best athletes in this offensive line class. His flexibility, agility and coordination could allow him to play meaningful reps at all five offensive line spots, but his long-term home is likely at guard or center. He has fast hands for flashes, repositioning and first contact. He also has a motor that never quits and looks to finish defenders whenever he can. Fautanu’s aggressiveness is good to see, but it can get him in trouble. He tends to overextend when punching and oversetting in pass protection. His power profile is good only when he has momentum. His lack of lower-half weight shows up when he is asked to anchor.

Brandon Thorn of Bleacher Report

Overall, Fautanu is a twitched-up, explosive blocker with excellent length and a tone-setting demeanor who projects best inside at guard with tackle versatility in his back pocket. His tools and skill set should land him a starting job right away, and he has Pro Bowl potential within his first contract as he settles into a full-time role inside… GRADE: 8.3 (Year 1 Starter — Late 1st Round/Early 2nd Round)… PRO COMPARISON: Ali Marpet.

Troy Fautanu’s fit with the Steelers

NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah stated that there’s at least one team that sees Fautanu as not only a versatile option for all five offensive line positions, but the best overall center in this year’s draft class.

Center?

And could that team be the Steelers? Fautanu played some guard at Washington despite primarily being a left tackle, but he never spent time at center. Still, with his build and strong athleticism. Fautanu would give the Steelers a presence they haven’t had in the middle of their offensive line since Maurkice Pouncey. And Pittsburgh did spend a top-30 visit on Fautanu.

However, left tackle to center is a substantial position switch, and one that involves snapping the ball every play. While it would offer some answers to a few of the negatives on Fautanu’s draft profile, he could still struggle against the massive, powerful interior linemen at the NFL level. Besides, the Fautanu-at-center experiment would likely cost a first round pick to try.

I’ve already mentioned my concerns with Fautanu at tackle. He could be a good option there in the pros, but once again, the Steelers would be spending a first-rounder on a question mark. Still, when that question mark is perhaps the most athletic lineman in the draft, you can bet Pittsburgh is considering it.

TL;DR: Troy Fautanu is an absurdly athletic offensive tackle who might slide inside to guard or center at the NFL level. He’s experienced, versatile, and aggressive in the run and pass game who doesn’t overly impress with power, but gets the job done.

What are your thoughts on Washington offensive tackle Troy Fautanu? And which draft prospects would you like to see profiled next? Let us know in the comments below!

Could WVU’s Zach Frazier be the Steelers’ center of the future?

Update: The Pittsburgh Steelers selected WVU center Zach Frazier with the 51st selection (Round 2) in the 2024 NFL Draft. Given the offseason release of former starter Mason Cole, Frazier figures as a Day 1 starter to anchor the offensive line.

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Approaching the 2024 NFL Draft, we’ll be scouting as many of the top prospects that the Pittsburgh Steelers could have their eye on anywhere from Rounds 1 through 7. We’ll break down the prospects themselves, their strengths and weaknesses, projected draft capital and their fit with the Steelers.

Zach Frazier has been one of the most popular selections in Steelers mock drafts this offseason. Does the West Virginia center live up to the hype?

The basics on WVU center Zach Frazier

• Position: Center
• Class: Redshirt junior (WVU)
• Size: 6’3, 310 pounds
• Age: 21 years old
• Projected draft round: Round 2

Zach Frazier scouting report

“Wrestling background” is a phrase many look for when scouting top center prospects each year, and WVU’s Zach Frazier fits the bill. Winning four consecutive state championships as a high school heavyweight wrestler, Frazier has great functional strength and an understanding of leverage that shows up all over his tape. Looking back on Frazier’s high school career reveals he was also a standout academically and a high school guard, showcasing his football IQ and versatility as he transitioned into one of the nation’s top centers in college.

Frazier’s game has very few weaknesses. He’s well-built, technically sound, and capable in every aspect of the position.

Although primarily known for his run-blocking, Frazier is a talented, aware pass-blocker who excels at picking up stunts. He sees the field well, whether it’s moving upfield to block linebackers or pouncing on a delayed rush as seen below (the play ended in a sack although not Frazier’s fault):

And while there are instances when Frazier’s footwork can get a little slow, his impressive anchor in pass protection stonewalled bull-rushes on numerous occasions.

Frazier’s strength and ability to stay low resulted in some great plays in both the run and pass game across the games I watched.

What limits Frazier’s draft projections is his athletic profile. It’s well up to the caliber of an NFL starter, but still below the “elite” range for a center. Frazier has no problems pulling or getting to the second level, but he can struggle to react laterally as his footwork and hands are occasionally slow.

Additionally, his shorter wingspan hampers his blocking radius, but it’s not quite as much of a problem at the center position as it would be elsewhere on the line. Still, issues can pop up when he’s blocking on an island, and he can get a little grabby if he’s beat.

Frazier also isn’t as dominant physically as some might expect from one of the draft’s top centers. He’s plenty strong and aggressive but there aren’t a ton of pancakes on tape. Still, he has fantastic leg drive once he gets locked in, even if his initial punch isn’t worth writing home about.

When he does get overwhelmed by especially quick or powerful rushes, Frazier does a good job of redirecting the defender.

What might excite Steeler fans the most is that I only saw one bad snap from Frazier in the games I watched of his — a play where he quick-snapped the ball to capitalize on an offsides defender. Additionally, he’s scheme-versatile, clearing massive holes in the interior of the defense for both man and zone runs. He plays with a wide base and a clear understanding of “low man wins.”

Despite growing up a Dolphins fan, Frazier was raised in Steelers country and has spoken about the team and their legacy at center. Renowned as a tough-as-nails leader at WVU who started all four of his seasons there, Frazier famously rushed off the field with a broken leg to preserve the clock in his final college game, helping the Mountaineers defeat Baylor. Plays like that are what build — or maintain — those legacies. Frazier is a gritty, play-through-the-whistle type of player who should be a fan favorite wherever he lands.

Strengths

• Well-rounded skillset
• Tough, physical
• High football IQ

Weaknesses

• Shorter arms
• Lateral agility can be slow

What others are saying about Zach Frazier

Brandon Thorn of Bleacher Report

Frazier is an experienced center-only prospect with adequate size, solid athletic ability and very good play strength that he combines with high-level football intelligence and competitive toughness to run the show pre-snap, lead and find ways to get defenders blocked in a variety of schemes. He projects as a long-term, dependable starter at the pivot… PRO COMPARISON: Tyler Biadasz

Ian Cummings of Pro Football Network

Low-cut offensive lineman with superb mass and an incredibly strong upper half… Former state champion wrestler with an excellent understanding of leverage… Manhandles 1-on-1 run blocks off the snap with leg churn, leverage, and physicality… Doesn’t quite have elite explosiveness or range in space… Sometimes widens his base too far, inhibiting his ability to recollect lateral positioning.

Mike Poland of Blogging the Boys

His physical limitations land him outside the first round, but his intelligence and solid blocking technique cannot be overlooked. Add to the fact he also enters the draft with a degree of versatility having played guard and center in college, Frazier makes for an enticing prospect. Any team utilizing his skills and able to scheme away from his deficiencies should expect a return in a player that can start quickly and succeed at the position for a long time.

Zach Frazier’s fit with the Steelers

Frazier isn’t a generational prospect at center, but if the Steelers are looking for above-the-line play at the position for the next several seasons, the WVU center could be a great addition on Day 2. Coming from a run-heavy scheme at West Virginia, he’d fit right into Arthur Smith’s offense in Pittsburgh, and his savvy in pass protection would certainly make a veteran quarterback like Russell Wilson happy.

Frazier isn’t a superstar, highlight-reel offensive lineman like some in this class. However, he’s a tough, high-football IQ center who would still be a noticeable upgrade over Mason Cole. He doesn’t have the highest ceiling, but a high floor is all it takes to have a good career as a center at the NFL level.

TL;DR — Zach Frazier wouldn’t be the flashiest pick for the Steelers, but this solid, all-around center is exactly what Pittsburgh needs in 2024. He’s a plug-and-play starter who can be found on Day 2 of the draft.

What are your thoughts on WVU center Zach Frazier? And which draft prospects would you like to see profiled next? Let us know in the comments below!

Constantly updating you with all the 2024 UDFA news and signings for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

From Donnie Shell to James Harrison, Jaylen Warren, and many others, the Steelers have had plenty of historical success when it comes to signing undrafted talent. After using up their picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, keep this page bookmarked as BTSC tracks the Steelers’ latest UDFA signings (and Redman Award candidates) at the bottom of the article.

Pittsburgh Steelers NFL Draft results 2024

• Round 1, Pick 20 — Troy Fautanu, OT (Washington)
• Round 2, Pick 51 — Zach Frazier, C (West Virginia)
• Round 3, Pick 84 — Roman Wilson, WR (Michigan)
• Round 3, Pick 98 — Payton Wilson, LB (NC State)
• Round 4, Pick 119 — Mason McCormick, IOL (South Dakota State)
• Round 6, Pick 178 — Logan Lee, DE (Iowa)
• Round 6, Pick 195 — Ryan Watts, DB (Texas)

The Steelers had a clear emphasis on the trenches in their 2024 draft, securing linemen with four of their seven total picks. However, that focus left the team leaving the draft with a big need still remaining at cornerback, especially with their lone defensive back draft pick, Ryan Watts, seeming to be the best fit at safety in the NFL.

Besides corner, the Steelers could still use some more talent at wide receiver, especially if any big, physical boundary targets are available. A fourth-string quarterback for training camp should also be on the black and gold’s radar, and given the team’s tendencies this offseason, don’t be surprised if Pittsburgh isn’t done adding names to their offensive and defensive lines.

Steelers undrafted free agent signings (UDFA) 2024

The newest signings will appear at the top of the list.

The Steelers add to their safety room with their last scheduled pick of the 2024 NFL Draft.

The Steelers finally selected a defensive back with their last scheduled pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, picking Texas’ Ryan Watts.

As a cornerback, Watts ran a 4.53-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, with draft reports questioning his ability to stay with receivers at the NFL level. Their solution? A move to safety, which would fit Watt’s 6’3, 208-pound frame and aggressive play style to perfection.

Watts gives the Steelers a quality name in their safety room after the team’s depth was tested greatly in the 2023 season. Additionally, his cornerback experience means that Watts could fill in as a versatile defender, lining up in the slot to help erase tight ends in the passing game. He’s also a willing and secure tackler.

With good measurable for his size and a demeanor perfect for the new-look Steelers, Watts is an excellent defensive chess piece for the Steelers to add to their roster. Pittsburgh can always use another Watt(s).

Grade: A