The Steelers got their guy
The Pittsburgh Steelers got stronger in the trenches by selecting Washington offensive tackle Troy Fautanu with the 20th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Speaking after the pick in regards to their new offensive lineman, Mike Tomlin was asked if the Steelers considered trading down in the draft, to which he gave a very blunt answer.
“We weren’t moving off Troy,” Tomlin said.
Did the Steelers ever consider trading back?
Tomlin: “We weren’t moving off Troy.”
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) April 26, 2024
Tomlin also defended keeping Fautanu at tackle rather than kicking him inside.
“What are we talking about if he is a quarter of an inch taller? He’s got great arm length, and the tape is great.”
Mike Tomlin on the concerns about Fautanu sticking at tackle:
“What are we talking about if he is a quarter of an inch taller? He’s got great arm length, and the tape is great.”
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) April 26, 2024
The Steelers had been floating around several trade rumors, including the possibility of trading up with the Denver Broncos at No. 12 in hopes of landing Quinyon Mitchell out of Toledo, who subsequently was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles.
Pittsburgh was also rumored to be in on San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. However, the Steelers stay put and get their guy, taking an offensive tackle in the first round for the second straight year.