The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2024 NFL draft.
The Green Bay Packers haven’t drafted an offensive lineman in the first round since they picked Derek Sherrod with the 32nd overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.
There are several factors in play that could see that streak come to an end on April 25th. The first factor is the depth at offensive tackle is severely lacking and it’s a safe bet that Green Bay would like to provide Rasheed Walker with some competition at left tackle.
The 2024 draft class is loaded with talented offensive linemen and by the end of the first round there could be 7 to 10 offensive linemen that heard their name called by Roger Goodell. Brian Gutekunst may want to get in on that action as he looks to bolster the Great Wall of Lambeau.
If Gutekunst opts to trade up to snag one of the talented offensive linemen, a player he could target is Troy Fautanu. The Washington offensive linemen checks in at No. 35 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.
Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington
PLUSES
– Brings a nasty mentality to the position; he’s technically sound, but he really wants to kick your ass and dominate the rep. More pancakes than an IHOP on Sunday morning.
– Quick, nimble feet off the snap allow him to set his body to the… pic.twitter.com/VUeIoWfO9L
— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) April 1, 2024
A Nevada native, Fautanu finished his career at the University of Washington with 31 career starts. He started 29 games at left tackle and two at left guard, including 15 games at left tackle this past season.
“Troy was an integral part of Washington’s offense, both in the passing and running game,” Roman Tomashoff, the managing editor for UWHuskiesWire.com, said. “Ryan Grubb loved to call running plays behind him and even though he wasn’t Michael Penix’s blindside protector, he was arguably the most important piece to UW’s pass protection schemes, as he was almost always left out on an island and always came through.”
Fautanu was one of the top testers among the offensive line group at the NFL Scouting Combine. He clocked the eighth-best 40-yard dash time (5.01), the sixth-best 10-yard split (1.71), tied for the 10th-best vertical jump (32.50) and the ninth-best broad jump (09.05).
Troy Fautanu is a OT prospect in the 2024 draft class. He scored a 9.64 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 49 out of 1331 OT from 1987 to 2024. https://t.co/fbR1anj4tk pic.twitter.com/SD2JEDEfkP
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 2, 2024
“Troy’s biggest strength is certainly his athleticism,’ Tomashoff said. “It allows him to not only play anywhere along the offensive line, but it also makes him scheme-proof as well. No matter what he’s asked to do at the next level, he’ll be able to excel in that role.”
That athleticism is on full display when Fautanu is moving bodies as a run blocker. He plays with a ton of power as a run blocker and is a punishing finisher. He has outstanding range and moves like a tight end. Once he gets out in space he hits his landmarks.
“He’s a hard-nosed, nasty offensive lineman who finishes hard and plays with impressive power,” Tomashoff said. “His athleticism allows him to be an elite pulling blocker and wherever he ends up at the next level, he’ll certainly be doing a lot of pulling.”
Fautanu has quick feet and the lateral quickness to mirror pass rushers. He has a quick setup and plays with natural knee bend. The Washington offensive linemen can anchor against power. All his movements are coordinated.
Washington OT Troy Fautanu over the past two seasons:
🟣 1,161 Pass Block Snaps
🟣 2 Sacks Allowed
🟣 86.0 Pass Block Grade pic.twitter.com/7WRsjB0rRm— PFF College (@PFF_College) March 26, 2024
“He’’s incredibly strong and matches it with great technique,” Tomashoff said. “He mirrors opposing pass rushers very well and with a combination of those two factors, he’s one of the toughest players in the draft to get around.”
Fit with the Packers
The Packers have had a ton of success taking college offensive tackles in kicking them inside to guard. Fautanu has experience playing both positions. He checks the box for versatility. The Washington product checks the box with his athleticism. If Fautanu is still on the board when the Packers are on the clock, he’d make it hard for the Packers to pass on him.
#Washington LT Troy Fautanu is one of those guys that has a near-universal approval rating among NFL scouts (me too). He's come up over and over and over in all my convos this week in Indy.
He's illustrating why today with the way he's moving in drills.
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) March 3, 2024
“Not only is Troy an exceptional athlete who has been well-coached throughout his entire career, but he’s also a tough lineman who plays with an edge,” Tomashoff said. “He was one of Washington’s leaders along the offensive line throughout his time in Seattle and will certainly be someone that his teammates will trust and rely on when he’s in the room.”
With the way Tom played at right tackle, it’s hard to envision the Packers kicking him inside to play right guard or possibly even center. However, if the Packers add a player like Fautanu, everything will be on the table.
Fautanu could slide in and play left tackle, while the Packers kick Walker over to right tackle and Tom takes over at right guard. Maybe they add Fautanu and leave Walker and Tom at tackle, while Fautanu takes over at right guard.
It’s hard to imagine the Packers taking a plug-and-play player like Fautanu in the first round and not getting him on the field. He’s that good and could help Green Bay’s offensive line go from good to great.
