Troy Fautanu And Roman Wilson: Bonus 2025 Draft Picks?
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, we’re starting to get a clearer picture of which positions are stacked and which ones might leave teams looking for answers. This year, running back and defensive line are clearly the strengths of the draft, while offensive line and wide receiver aren’t as deep as we’re used to seeing. But what if Troy Fautanu and Roman Wilson, who didn’t see much action in 2024, were part of this class?
For the Pittsburgh Steelers, a team with needs at defensive line and running back, the 2025 draft is shaping up to be a perfect fit. With a deep pool of defensive linemen and running backs, the Steelers will have plenty of options to address these critical positions. Whether it’s adding a monster on the defensive front or securing a dynamic backfield weapon, the Steelers are in great shape this year.
The running back class is packed with a variety of backs, from power runners who can grind it out between the tackles to elusive playmakers who can make defenders miss in the open field. Whether you’re looking for a workhorse to carry the load or a versatile back who can catch passes out of the backfield, this year’s class has it all.
The defensive line group is similarly stacked. Whether it’s an end who can get after the quarterback or a stout interior lineman capable of collapsing the pocket and shutting down the run, this class has something for every team. A deep pool like this gives teams a great chance to find immediate contributors who can make a difference from day one.
On the flip side, the 2025 draft doesn’t have the same depth at offensive line and wide receiver. For teams looking for that instant franchise offensive lineman, this might not be the draft to find it. You better get your man early. According to NFL.com, the top prospects have the following draft scores: Will Campbell (6.44), Tyler Booker (6.40), Armand Membou (6.46), and Kelvin Banks Jr. (6.44). Last season, we saw 9 offensive linemen go in the first round, but this year, only around 5-6 are being mocked as first-round picks. While these scores are the end all be all, they serve as a good, unofficial measuring stick.
How would Troy Fautanu stack up against this class? With a draft score of 6.47, he might have been the best offensive lineman in this class had he come out this year. His length, strength, and technique could have put him at the top of the board. Good thing for the Steelers, he is already on the roster.
The wide receiver class is another area where the depth just isn’t what it has been in previous years. While there are a few standouts, overall, this year’s wide receiver class doesn’t offer as many potential game-changers. Players like Travis Hunter (6.89), who may be a defensive player first, Tetairoa McMillan (6.40), Matthew Golden (6.40), and Emeka Egbuka (6.37) lead the pack, but beyond them, there aren’t many players that teams are gushing over.
With a draft score of 6.30, Roman Wilson might not have been one of the top guys in the class, you might have had to take him in the second-round compared to being a third-round pick in last year’s draft. His ability to work all parts of the field and create separation is something the Steelers were missing in 2024.
Having Fautanu and Wilson already on the roster is like the Steelers are getting extra premium picks. Fautanu’s potential as an elite offensive lineman could have been a game-changer for the Steelers, who’ve been working to solidify their offensive line. Meanwhile, Wilson’s ability to work the entire field would’ve added a much-needed weapon to the Steelers’ receiving corps.
For the Steelers, this draft is shaping up to be a great opportunity to address their biggest needs with plenty of talent available at defensive line and running back. They may even have the luxury of double-dipping at one, if not both, positions. Also, without having to overdraft a tackle or receiver, they can shift their attention to other positions, such as cornerback.
While many fans are down on Troy Fautanu and Roman Wilson, I’m excited to add them into the mix, with the added benefit of not having to reach for players of their caliber.
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a true Pittsburgh Steelers fan, since the 70’s I hope to see when the season start both OT Troy Fautanu starting on the Steelers offensive line and from what I understand Roman Wilson will be the Steelers slot wide receiver
While Khan said the hope is Broderick Jones slides to the left side, I do have to wonder if they have options with Fautanu playing his entire college career at LT? Offensive tackle is a sneaky big need for the Steelers this offseason.
I keep hearing about allowing Broderick Jones to move to his “natural position” at LT will be good for him but the bottom line is that he only played one year at Georgia on the left side. He’s now played the better part of 2 years with the Steelers on the right side. At this point, I would think that RT is his more natural position.
I don’t know, it seems like making him learn the left again might set him back some.
I totally agree. Got one tackle that couldn’t beat out the guy they’re letting walk, and the other spent the majority of the season on IR. I don’t have faith in either guy right now, so if there’s a top tackle on the board when they pick I’d take him.
I actually have faith in Fautanu the player. I recall him really doing well in camp and in preseason games last year. I don’t necessarily have faith in the dislocated knee, though.
Personally, I think that this is make or break for Jones this year. By the end of it, the Steelers will have to decide on the 5th year option. If he doesn’t play ok, he’ll join the list of recent 1st picks who didn’t get that 5th year picked up.
I’d love for both to pan out, but right now neither has done much, and both have to show me they can play. I feel better about TF, but anytime a guy misses his first season he historicaly faces much steeper odds of making it.
Excited about both. Fautanu looked solid when he did play. I think fans have a bad taste in their mouth about Roman Wilson, but let’s see what he can add to this team. We truly don’t know much more about them than we did last season, in terms of what they can do when it comes to playing NFL football
I have no idea where I read it (it may well have been on SCN) but it was reported that Wilson was physically ready to play toward the end of last year but that he had just about zero awareness of the offense and his role in it. Of course, I have no idea if that’s actually true but it was reported as such.
Geez. That’s doesn’t sound good. I’m still interested to see what he brings. Feels like last year no one could go in the middle of the field. Maybe that’s qb play more than anything. We’ll see
I saw that too. If it’s true he better come to camp knowing it forwards and backwards or his NFL career will be very short.
Also a long time fan here, since 1970. My 1st fave Steeler was WR Ron Shanklin for those who might remember the pre-Swann & Stallworth years. Shanklin & Frank Lewis were the main receivers.
Anyway, absolutely love the Steel Curtain Network and watch it almost daily on YouTube.
Although my faith in Art II & Mike Tomlin to lead the team back to elite standards is very weak, I do have faith in Omar & Andy to provide intelligent roster building for the near and long term.
Can’t wait for the draft & free agency!