The Pittsburgh Steelers have a bit of work to do heading into the 2024 NFL Draft.
With a few major departures, gaps in the offensive line that have been a problem for years, and two new quarterbacks to hopefully surround with talent, there are plenty of different directions the Steelers could potentially take depending on how the rest of the picks from across the league play out.
The brain trust of general manager Omar Khan, head coach Mike Tomlin, and their scouts will be charged with making seven selections through the three days of the draft, including four in the top 100.
The Steelers entered this draft with several key needs, including the offensive line at tackle and center, as well as wide receiver following the trade of Diontae Johnson and cornerback.
As expected, Steelers GM Omar Khan, Mike Tomlin & Co. elected for the investment on the offensive line.
Most NFL draft analysts and insiders projected the Steelers to select IOL Graham Barton with the 20th overall pick, having been the consensus selection early Thursday morning.
However, Fautanu was a surprising slide in a top-heavy offensive tackle class, and the Steelers likely saw value at center later in the draft.
Fautanu had a career year last season with the Washington Huskies, having started all 15 games at left tackle and walking away with the Morris Trophy, awarded to the best offensive and defensive linemen in the Pac-12.
He seems likely to line up on the right side of the line, while they slide 2023 first-round OT Broderick Jones back to the left.
