Troy Fautanu told the media earlier this week at Washington’s spring practice that he wouldn’t be in Detroit for the NFL draft because they would only let him bring a party of 15. As a Polynesian, that limit wouldn’t be nearly enough for him to have his entire family there to support him on draft night.
Well, it’s time to pop the champagne in the Fautanu household. Washington’s left tackle was selected at No. 20 overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday night, making him the third Husky to come off the board. He joins quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who went No. 8 to the Atlanta Falcons, and wide receiver Rome Odunze, who was taken at No. 9 by the Chicago Bears earlier in the night.
Fautanu will likely be playing guard in Pittsburgh, even after an illustrious career at tackle on Montlake. There are also some teams who reportedly thought Fautanu could be an elite center prospect. It’s also possible Fautanu could stick at left tackle to replace Dan Moore Jr.
Wherever he lands on the offensive line, the Steelers are getting an explosive mover who’s shown he’s an asset as both a pass and run blocker.
And, the Steelers probably just earned nearly 100 new fans.