2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Troy Fautanu

Strengths

• Strong blocker with bad intentions
• Plus athlete with above-average length in a well-proportioned frame
• Brings a finishing demeanor with imposing grip strength
• Shows off movement abilities in pass protection combined with active feet and hands
• Steps stay low and are measured in pass sets
• Difference-maker as a puller in space with good radar for squaring up targets on time
• Shows enough strength to block up interior defenders in the run game
• "Want to" is there as a run blocker

Weaknesses

• Raw and still relatively new to playing offensive line (switched from DL as a sophomore)
• Poor angles and body positioning cost him in pass protection
• Punch lacks the pop one would expect from an athletic finisher
• Lacks core power necessary to absorb and anchor against strong punches and bull rushes
• Tends to lunge as a run blocker, leading to balance issues
• Very inconsistent when asked to climb to second level
• Needs to clean up technique on combo blocks, often swinging hips too far inside

Final Thoughts and Chicago Bears Fit for Troy Fautanu

Fautanu currently has a top-100 grade from our team and a top-75 grade from me. Looking around other 2024 NFL Draft boards, he seems to have a late first to mid-second-round grade. He's a polarizing prospect. The desired athleticism and nasty demeanor should play well on the interior at the next level. But I have concerns with his run-blocking technique becoming more of a black eye as an NFL guard, where run-blocking will be more important.

On tape, Fautanu is a nasty blocker who plays a high-energy style of football. He wins in pass protection with athleticism to effectively mirror pass rushers, quick feet, and active hands. As a run blocker, there's a lot to clean up. But the "want to" and demeanor is there for him to be a force in the run game. While he might be able to play tackle at the next level, I think his raw ability projects best to the interior.

Fautanu would be good insurance for the Chicago Bears offensive line as interior depth behind Teven Jenkins and Nate Davis. He could also serve as a swing tackle, if necessary. That type of versatility would be a fit on any team. But the draft capital to acquire Fautanu may not make sense for the Bears. If he falls into the third round or later, I could see Ryan Poles targeting him. But that doesn't seem likely at this time.

Pro Comp: Joseph Noteboom