Defensive lineman Cam Heyward made the announcement last night as the Steelers, for the second year in a row, took an offensive tackle as their number one draft choice.
Troy Fautanu’s father named him after Troy Polamalu and Troy wore Polamalu’s number 43 on his jersey as a kid, but at 6-4 and 317 pounds, Fautanu won’t be running around the secondary. He’s a tackle who has played center in the past and the Steelers need both positions on their offensive line. But coach Mike Tomlin says with the Steelers, Fautanu will play tackle.
Tomlin says Fautanu grew up a Steelers fan and is a Steeler through and through.
Tomlin says Fautanu is a great talent who just loves football.
General manager Omar Khan says the Steelers’ phone was ringing all night with other teams trying to get them to move up or move down in the draft, but when it became apparent Fautanu would be available, they jumped at the chance to draft him.
Barring a trade, the Steelers second round choice will be the 51st overall selection, with pressing needs at center, wide receiver, and cornerback.
As expected, the Chicago Bears took USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the top overall choice and LSU QB Jayden Daniels was the second pick, by Washington. Then New England took North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye. Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr, went next, to Arizona, and Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt went to the LA Chargers with pick number five.
The most puzzling pick of the night was Atlanta’s selection of quarterback Michal Penix Jr. with the 8th overall choice. The Falcons last month signed former Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins to a 4-year, $180 million contract, so quarterback was not their biggest need. Cousins was only informed of the pick while Atlanta was on the clock and was “frustrated” and “confused”, according to those close to him.
Rounds 2 and 3 of the draft begin tonight at 7 o’clock. After pick number 51 in the second round, the Steelers will have pick numbers 84 and 98 in the third round, number 119 in the fourth, number 178 in the sixth, and number 195, also in the sixth.
