NFL Draft Prospect: New Orleans Saints Could Target This Versatile Offensive Lineman In The First Round

Profiling Washington star Troy Fautanu, a versatile offensive lineman that the Saints may target early in the NFL Draft.

Washington offensive lineman Troy Fautanu during the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine / Credit:© Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The New Orleans Saints are expected to target an offensive tackle with their first round draft choice, the 14th overall selection. Trevor Penning, a 2022 first-round pick, was benched after six games at left tackle because of poor play. Andrus Peat played well as his replacement, but the veteran G/T was not re-signed and is currently a free agent.

New Orleans is not giving up on Penning just yet, but most expected them to at least hedge their bets by drafting another tackle. Those beliefs are further solidified by the recent news that RT Ryan Ramczyk may not be ready for the start of the season and could even miss the entire year because of knee issues.

Major questions at both tackle spots all but guarantees that the Saints will draft an offensive lineman with a first or second round choice for the fifth time in eight years.

Luckily, this year's draft class seems deep at this position. Here's a peak at one of the tackles New Orleans may be considering with their 14th overall pick in the first round.

Troy Fautanu, OT - Washington; 6-4 & 314 Lbs

Washington offensive tackle Troy Fautanu blocks against Michigan during the 2024 College Football National Championship Game / Credit:© Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Troy Fautanu decided on the University of Washington after playing both football and volleyball at Liberty High School in Nevada. After redshirting as a freshman and seeing limited snaps at guard and tackle during a Covid-shortened 2020, he'd work his way into the starting lineup by the end of 2021.

Between 2022 and 2023, Fautanu was a crucial part of a Huskies offense that was one of the best in the nation. Over those two years at left tackle, he was credited with giving up just two sacks on his way to 2nd Team All-Pac 12 in 2022 and 1st Team All-Pac 12 last season.

Fautanu plays the game with an old-school style. He's a tenacious brawler on every snap but combines that with agile feet. Built like a guard, he has the technique and footwork of a tackle, where most project him at the NFL level.

Washington offensive tackle Troy Fautanu leads a play against Michigan during the College Football National Championship Game / Credit:© Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

As a run blocker, Fautanu fires off decisively at the snap to open immediate lanes. He shows good lateral agility to pull or be an effective lead blocker on screens and outside running plays. He'll get to the second level of a defense very efficiently to spring his runners for extra yardage.

In pass protection, Fautanu is into his stance in an instant. He delivers a ferocious initial punch to defenders, often momentarily freezing their rush. His impressive power is imposing for bull rushers, while his foot agility is adequate to combat athletic rushers on the outside.

Fautanu can have some balance issues in pass protection. Without ideal length for a tackle, his range can be a little limited. As a result, Fautanu sometimes lunges off balance or can get tied up against counter moves. Additionally, he's not yet as consistently dominant as a run blocker as his natural strength might suggest.

Troy Fautanu brings the versatility of being able to play tackle or guard into this draft. His initial projection is on the outside, where he'll be a mid to late first round choice and possibly the fourth lineman selected. Fautanu may not be the prototypical build of an NFL tackle, but he is a mauler that can set a physical tone for the entire offense.