Washington offensive tackle Troy Fautanu is among the most versatile pro-ready prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. There initially had been chatter about Fautanu potentially kicking inside to guard from tackle at the next level. Fautanu responded by measuring in 34.5-inch arms at the NFL Combine, a 67% percentile result that should largely quiet those concerns. Fautanu can play guard, but it’s not necessary due to physical shortcomings.
Fautanu is a mauler who will bring an aggressive demeanor to an NFL offensive line. Fautanu is a physical run blocker who projects as a plug-and-play starter. Fautanu was a bookend for a Huskies offense that led the nation in several statistical categories.
Fautanu is a top-20 player in the 2024 NFL Draft. We've identified three potential landing spots for Fautanu.
MIAMI DOLPHINS
The Dolphins lost a presence on their interior when former starting right guard Robert Hunt signed a five-year contract worth $100 million with the Carolina Panthers. Massive changes have occurred all along the interior. The new starting center is Aaron Brewer, an athletic but undersized player who will replace Connor Williams. There are more questions than answers in between Miami's tackles right now.
An upgrade is also needed at left guard. Lester Cotton was last year's primary starter. Former first-round lineman Isaiah Wynn was signed in free agency to add depth and competition.
The Dolphins could target Fautanu with the No. 21 overall selection. He'd be an instant starter at either guard position as a better option than Wynn or Robert Jones.
DALLAS COWBOYS
Unrestricted free agency hasn't been kind to the Cowboys thus far, particularly up front. They've already lost two starters on the offensive line. Tyron Smith signed with the New York Jets and Tyler Biadasz joined the division rival Washington Commanders. Biadasz's departure leaves the Cowboys without a starting center, but that’s another topic.
Last year's first-round pick Tyler Smith is capable of sliding from left guard to tackle to replace the elder Smith. If that happens, a like-for-like replacement is required at left guard. Former Oregon undrafted free agent T.J. Bass shouldn't be relied on as the starting guard.
A left side consisting of Fautanu and Tyler Smith would give the Cowboys dominant and ascending building blocks. The Cowboys have always believed in building dominant offensive lines. Fautanu fits the mold.
CINCINNATI BENGALS
The Bengals have yet to lay out a clear-cut succession plan at right tackle. Duke Tobin failed to retain Jonah Williams, who signed a two-year contract worth $30 million with the Arizona Cardinals. Cincinnati appears primed to enter the 2024 NFL Draft requiring a suitable replacement. There are no realistic in-house options.
It was no surprise that the Bengals couldn't match the $15 million per year offer Williams landed elsewhere. The Bengals are being smart with their money after signing Joe Burrow to an extension. Tobin needs young talent at premium positions on cost-controlled rookie contracts. Drafting Fautanu to replace Williams would give the Bengals a multi-year solution at a position of need.
