Steelers coach Mike Tomlin gleaned draft information anywhere he could find it. That’s how he learned a lot about his future first rounder — a Washington star — while attending the Alabama Pro Day.
Pittsburgh selected offensive tackle Troy Fautanu with the 20th pick of the NFL Draft. The big Husky lineman slipped some because of a perceived knee issue. But Tomlin had done his homework on everything related to Fautanu. He picked up some info last month when all the Alabama stars put on a show for their Pro Day in Tuscaloosa. That’s when Tomlin asked new Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer about Fautanu. DeBoer replaced Nick Saban earlier this year, after DeBoer took his Washington team to the national title game against Michigan. And the new Crimson Tide coach knows his old Husky lineman very well.
Tomlin discussed Fautanu and how the Steelers scouted him during a post-draft press briefing at Steelers headquarters.
“We had great visits through the process,” Tomlin said of scouting Fautanu. “Went to Tuscaloosa, obviously, to handle some Alabama business. But we had an opportunity to really talk to some people in Tuscaloosa that had some firsthand knowledge of his capabilities, the coaching staff, and he just checked every box. We’re really excited to have him.”
Steelers sent o-line coach to Washington for Pro Day
The Steelers also were looking for a center to take in the first round. But Tomlin said Fautanu was the highest ranked player on their Big Board when it came time to announce the pick. Fautanu will remain at tackle, Tomlin said.
And why was Fautanu a good fit for Pittsburgh?
“His commitment to the game, his passion for the game really was evident in communicating with him.” Tomlin told reporters. “His passion is real. It is a calling card, coupled with his tremendous athletic talent.
Tomlin added: “I just think his relationship with the game is a pure one. He’s a competitor. He loves football. He loves the things that come with football, based on talking to those around him, the preparation things, the training, practice. He’s a black and gold type of a guy.”
In an odd twist, neither Tomlin or Steelers GM Omar Khan were present at Fautanu’s Pro Day at Washington. Up until this draft, either a Pittsburgh head coach or general manager had attended the Pro Days of every first rounder since 2009. However, the Steelers did have a rep there in Seattle to watch Fautanu. Offensive line coach Pat Meyer made the trip.
The Steelers own three picks for Friday’s second- and third-round session of the NFL Draft. We’ll know post-draft about the Pro Day presence.
More must-reads: