Would Troy Fautanu Fit Better as a Guard?

University of Washington left tackle Troy Fautanu was extremely productive in college.

However, some might say he lacks the size to play the position in the NFL.

While this may be the case, I could see him transitioning to the right tackle spot or even guard. Fautanu was rated a 3-star recruit by ESPN and given a 4-star grade by 247 Sports.

2023 Review:

2023 resulted in an unimpressive stat line in his passing game. In the 13 games he started, Fautanu played almost 1,000 snaps for the Huskies. He allowed 2 sacks, 3 quarterback hits, and 18 hurries while playing at left tackle (Pro Football Focus). With these results, one can see the area for concern from NFL scouts. On the other hand, though, he was dominant in the running game according to film.

Overview: Troy Fautanu

6-Foot-4, 317 Pounds

40 Time: 5.20 (nfldraftbuzz.com)

Level of Competiton: Medium

Colton Edwards Grade: First-Round (as a guard)

2023 Film Evaluated: Boise State, Oregon, USC and Utah

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report:

Brings excellent short-area quickness, allowing himself to reach the second level quickly in a way that demonstrates his flexibility and balance to land blocks in space. Aside from this, he explodes off the line of scrimmage (LOS), consistently getting to the second level to create running lanes. He also demonstrates the ability to use that skill set during the screen and RPO (run-pass-option) game. His physicality, lower and upper-body strength, and natural balance allow him to move the opposition. Good hand placement and solid initial punches to help move his targets. His combo blocking ability and athleticism when becoming a puller in space are very intriguing.

Weaknesses: Most of his weaknesses come from his passing game. Even though he shows potential, his lack of length at the tackle spot is concerning for the next level. Traits such as this bring up the idea of switching him to guard. In his pass sets, he sometimes becomes too high, over-sets, or leans forward too much to the extent that he loses his balance or gets beat inside. With the lack of length and experience, he often ends up reaching or lunging against speed rushers.

Summary:

Fautanu was a two-year starter at Washington who schemed a pass-heavy offense featuring zone concepts, counters, and plenty of empty pass-set formations. Overall, this style of play gave him experience in one-on-one situations. Because of this, he has underrated athleticism and great run-blocking ability that should allow him to transition well at the interior for the next level. He has the burst and quickness off the LOS, power to cut off or cave in defenders on reach or angle-drive blocks that allows him to boost up to the second level and take out linebackers. He also has the coordination, body control, and skills to perform at a high level. If he can refine his inconsistent techniques, he’ll be dominant at guard for years to come.

Who will he remind us of?

Former NFL guard Mike Iupati who played for 3 teams over the course of 11 seasons, including four Pro Bowl selections and a first-team All-Pro honor.

Colton just graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Science at the United States Sports Academy. He has previous coaching experience as a former offense and defensive line coach at a local high school. While performing those duties, he also worked at PFF(Pro Football Focus) for a brief moment of time. He currently develops scouting reports here at firstroundmock.com. His aspirations are to become an NFL Scout/GM in the future.