Watch CBS News

Was Troy Fautanu the right pick for the Pittsburgh Steelers? NFL Draft experts weigh in

CBS News Live
CBS News Pittsburgh Live

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The Pittsburgh Steelers selected offensive lineman Troy Fautanu in the first round of the NFL draft -- a move experts are giving high marks.

Fautanu was called at No. 20 on Thursday and is already in Pittsburgh, touching down on Friday morning. Most experts agree the Steelers made a smart pick, giving the team an offensive lineman who can protect new quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields

CBS Sports' Pete Prisco gave the team a B for selecting Fautanu, writing, "The Steelers needed another tackle to go with Broderick Jones, but Fautano can also play inside. He is a physical player who fits what they want to do. This is a nice, solid Steelers pick."

NFL.com draft analyst Chad Reuter pointed out "a reported knee issue," but gave the Steelers an A grade for "smartly" finding value "in the stud lineman" who will protect the quarterbacks.  

The Steelers also got an A from Yahoo! Sports NFL writer Charles McDonald, who called Fautanu a "great get." McDonald wrote, "Fautanu has all the skills necessary to be a long-term starter on the offensive line, which is something that Pittsburgh still needs." 

Pro Football Focus gave the Steelers a "very good" mark, and Sports Illustrated handed out a B grade, saying he has flexibility and may benefit from bulking up a bit in an NFL weight room. 

After the selection, the Steelers' website reported coach Mike Tomlin said Fautanu was the "highest-rated player on our board," calling him a "black-and-gold type of guy." 

"His commitment to the game, his passion for the game really was evident in communicating with him," Tomlin said. "His passion is real. It is a calling card, coupled with his tremendous athletic talent."

Fautanu said he grew up a Steelers fan and idolized legend Troy Polamalu. 

"Watching him, you get to see what the Steelers are about," Fautanu said. "How they play football, what brand of football that is. I took that and put it into my own game. When I think of the Steelers, I think of gritty, work in the trenches." 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.