Almost one year after the Pittsburgh Steelers selected then-left tackle Broderick Jones in the first round, analyst Garrett Podell's latest mock draft for CBS Sports has suggested that the team will do the same in 2024.
According to Podell's mock draft, the Steelers will use the 20th overall pick to select standout left tackle Troy Fautanu out of the University of Washington Huskies. Based on this pick, the likelihood is that Jones will stay at right tackle while inserting Fautanu on the left.
"The 2023 Morris Trophy winner (the best offensive lineman in the Pac-12) is the type of lineman the Steelers need: a real deal left tackle. He shores up the left tackle spot opposite 2023 first-round pick right tackle Broderick Jones."
The Steelers have not yet floated the notion of replacing Dan Moore Jr., the starting left tackle, but it is still a possibility. General manager Omar Khan spoke about moving Jones back to the left side at this year's NFL Combine. But Fautanu has the kind of adaptability and quickness to be able to play practically every position on the offensive line, including right tackle.
Fautanu is one of the top overall linemen in this year's draft. Last season with the Huskies, Fautanu was named All-America Third Team and First-Team All-Pac 12 for his performance. On 1,255 career pass-blocking snaps, Fautanu surrendered just three sacks.
The Steelers have greatly shown interest in him, as they engaged in a formal meeting at the Combine as well as a scheduled top-30 visit to their facilities.