With being more than halfway through the College Football season, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Troy Fautanu.

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2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Troy Fautanu

Troy Fautanu (OT – Washington)

6’4″ – 317 lbs.

Background:

Redshirted after 12 snaps in 2020, Fauntanu then started three games the following year (two at left tackle, one at left guard.) He took over the team’s starting left tackle role in 2022 (12 starts, plus one at left guard), during which time he did not allow a sack. He reprised that role this year.

Positives:

He’d be entering the draft with over two years of starting experience, mostly at left tackle. Thickly built, especially in the lower body. Has impressive functional strength to move opponents in a phone booth. Effectively attacks the outside shoulder to seal. Able to pull to the opposite side of the formation, working hard to secure blocks; was frequently asked to execute in space in Washington’s relatively zone-heavy scheme.

Flashes the ability to engage from a sound base at the second level. Pass-set fundamentals are pretty sound, keeping a sufficiently wide base and staying within his frame. Gets enough depth in his kickslide to protect the edge against seven-technique speed-rushers. Shows good awareness to recognize and adjust to rush concepts like stunts/twists. Short-area quickness is more impressive than his size would suggest, allowing him to pivot and recover if needed. Lower body strength is excellent, letting him easily hold the point of attack against power rushers. Actively fires out his hands, with good placement inside.

Negatives:

Height/length measurements may lead him to be viewed as a guard conversion candidate, where he has relatively little experience (two starts.) Can get too aggressive and end up playing outside his frame, leading to lunging and balance issues; would like to see him play with a little bit more patience. Doesn’t present the longest obstacle to speed rushers, forcing him to win ugly on some pass reps. Minor tendency to lower his head into contact in pass protection. Has been somewhat penalty-prone in college (eight flags in 2022).

Summary:

Fauntanu has primarily played left tackle for the Huskies, but probably projects as more of a left guard prospect at the next level, despite his impressive lateral quickness in pass protection. As a guard, his thick frame, power to generate push in a phone booth, and impressive movement skills in space could make him a starter relatively soon at the next level, due to his polished technique. The Huskies run a lot of zone concepts, but could also conceivably fit well in a gap-based blocking scheme.

Projection: Round 2-3