5 Round 1 draft prospects who could warm up chilly Rams reception in 2024

Prospect 4: Washington OT Troy Fautanu

The chant for the team to trade up in the 2024 NFL Draft to select Notre Dame left tackle Joe Alt is gaining strength and volume in the days leading up to the draft. But there are a number of solid offensive tackles in this draft, all of whom have the ability to not only start in the NFL, but with the upside to elevate their game to flirt with Pro Bowl honors at some point in the future.

Fautanu stands 6-foot-4, weighs 317 pounds, and has extensive experience in college football as a left tackle. He performed so well that he is viewed as one of the best offensive tackles in this draft. With the team holding LT Alaric Jackson on a one-year contract for 2024, the logic behind finding a successor at the position is sound. The thing is, can Fautanu do the job?

While Fautanu may not be the top prospect for the offensive line, he is among the best in this rookie class, and this is a talented group. Offensive tackles are gold in their own right, but versatile offensive tackles who can plug-and-play as a starter on either side of the center are even more valuable, and Fautanu can project as either tackle or guard on the left or right side.

Fautanu embodies athleticism, which gives him a solid advantage as a versatile swing tackle in his rookie season, as well as an eventual starter who can hold his own at the line of scrimmage and then pivot to escort his running back downfield.

Fautanu is not getting as much pre-draft love as some offensive tackles, but he is a bona fide option for the Rams at the 19th overall pick. He will need some coaching and patience to integrate his talents to blend well with an NFL offensive line. But he is the type of player who elevates the upside of every player who lines up next to him.