Steelers Fans Applaud Troy Fautanu Draft Pick to Help Russell Wilson, Justin Fields

The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Washington offensive lineman Troy Fautanu with the No. 20 pick of the 2024 draft.

After playing with No. 8 pick Michael Penix Jr. at Washington, Fautanu will now be called on to protect Steelers quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields.

He will join the Steelers after being named the top offensive lineman in the Pac-12 conference in 2023.

Fautanu will join an offensive line that also features 2023 first-round pick Broderick Jones.

Fautanu was a two-year starter at Washington, mostly at left tackle, although he made two starts at left guard.

Fautanu was a key part of the reason the Washington offensive line was honored as the top OL in college football with 2023 Joe Moore Award.

The former Husky wore No. 43 at Washington in honor of former Steelers defensive back Troy Polamalu, who won two Super Bowls in Pittsburgh, according to Ryan Wilson of CBS Sports.

He could now play key role in bolstering Pittsburgh's new quarterback room as the team looks to build back toward title contention.

Given Fautanu's versatility in college, there is likely to be ongoing debate over where he would be most effective in the Steelers' offensive line.

The Steelers select next in the second round with pick No. 51. Pittsburgh could decide to further bolster the team's offensive depth around Wilson and Fields by drafting a wide receiver next.