The NFL Draft is fast approaching, and soon the Miami Dolphins will be on the clock.
So let’s kick off PFN’s pre-draft series examining the 12 NFL Draft prospects believed to be on the Dolphins’ shortlist at 21. First up: Washington offensive lineman Troy Fautanu, who would address the team’s most pressing need.
Miami Dolphins Draft Preview: Get To Know Washington OL Troy Fautanu
The Basics
- Age: 23
- Height: 6’4″
- Weight: 317 pounds
- Position: Offensive Line
- School: Washington
- Years in College: 5
- PFN Big Board Ranking: No. 24 overall, No. 7 offensive tackle
Why Troy Fautanu Is a First-Round Talent
Fautanu, in his two years as a U-Dub starter, blossomed into one of the best players in his conference, earning a first-team All-Pac-12 spot in his final two seasons and winning the Morris Trophy in 2023.
PFN NFL Draft Analyst Ian Cummings writes the following in Fautanu’s scouting profile:
“Fautanu has one of the more unique physical builds in the 2024 NFL Draft. He may measure in a notch under 6’4″, and yet, he has exceptional mass and proportional length and moves very well for his size — particularly as a short-area and lateral mover.
“Fautanu has all of the necessary athletic components, and he’s also incredibly flexible and nimble in recovery. Beyond those tools, he’s one of the best pass protectors in the class — possessing balance, leverage, adaptable footwork, active and violent hands, and sharp processing speed.”
How Fautanu Would Fit With the Dolphins
The short answer? Anywhere he’s needed aside from center.
Fautanu has the position flexibility the Dolphins covet, although he probably translates as a tackle long-term. But the Dolphins, barring injury, don’t need him there in 2024.
They have Austin Jackson to play right tackle and Terron Armstead left tackle.
So in the short term, Fautanu potentially could be the team’s replacement for Robert Hunt at right guard or beat out Isaiah Wynn and play next to Armstead (whom he would likely replace in 2025) on the left side.
Fautanu said at the NFL Scouting Combine a few weeks back that basically every team asked him about where he wants to play on the next level.
“The easy answer for me to say is tackle is where I feel the most comfortable,” he said. “I’ve played there the last three, four years. But I’m more than capable and willing to bump inside and play whatever position they ask me to. I feel like I’m the most versatile offensive lineman in this draft class, and I feel like that adds value to any organization.”
From Spikes to Pancakes
Fun fact about Fautanu: He comes from a family of volleyballers and played the game himself at Liberty High School in suburban Las Vegas.
“It was a little bit easier jumping then,” he joked. “I was 60, 70 pounds lighter than I am now. It helped [with football] a lot, the agility it does take to constantly jump every single play. I thoroughly enjoyed volleyball.
“It’s something I did for fun. I grew up around it. My parents played it. My sister played it. I think there’s a lot of things that translate to football — moving laterally and jumping up when you need to.”
No QB Left Behind
Fautanu’s ascension to starting Huskies left tackle coincided with the arrival of star Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
If the Dolphins draft him, Fautanu will go from one lefty QB to another — Tua Tagovailoa. This means that he will again not be asked to protect his quarterback’s blindside, even though that’s usually the job of a left tackle.
KEEP READING: Troy Fautanu Finds Himself in Miami in Latest 2024 Dolphins Mock Draft
“I feel like there’s only one way to play O-line, and that’s just nasty,” he said. “Every day, just practice being violent with your hands. … You’ve got to dominate. That’s my mindset every single play.”