Cowboys' ideal draft target to be Top 30 visit for team ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
The Dallas Cowboys are hosting a prospect that makes almost too much sense for them ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft on a Top 30 visit.Washington offensive lineman Troy Fautanu.The Draft Network's Ryan Fowler reported on the visit on Sunday and there's no question it was always likely to happen considering the team's desperate need […]
The Dallas Cowboys are hosting a prospect that makes almost too much sense for them ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft on a Top 30 visit.
Washington offensive lineman Troy Fautanu.
The Draft Network's Ryan Fowler reported on the visit on Sunday and there's no question it was always likely to happen considering the team's desperate need for offensive line help as well as Fautanu's projected draft position.
Troy Fautanu is my pick for Cowboys' best first round draft target
Earlier this offseason, I put together a series of "best draft targets" per round for the Cowboys and that included Fautanu in Round 1. I believe he'd be an optimal selection, especially considering he projects as both a tackle and guard, which is perfect for a Dallas team kind of looking for both given Tyler Smith's flexibility.
But more importantly, Fautanu is pro ready, showing off great technique in pass pro and a wide array of moves. He's got excellent footwork, which allows him to win reps long before hands even are a factor. He already looks like an NFL player in several aspects of his game, mostly in pass pro.
"Very effective snatch-trap technique to dismantle power rushers, active providing help & finishing blocks in pass pro, plays with a mean-streak & tries to finish blocks," details A to Z Sports' James Foster on his Big Board, although he notes Fautanu has struggled as a run blocker.
Is he a realistic target at 24th overall?
Fautanu only helped himself at the NFL Scouting Combine after he silenced many doubters who doubted his ability to play left tackle by coming in at 67th percentile arm length with 34.5-inch arms.
His stock has risen per Grinding the Mocks from a projected draft position of 25 to 17 inn under a month. But with such a loaded class of offensive linemen, it'll come down to each team's own preference, so Fautanu at 24th can't be ruled out at all.
That being said, it'll take some good luck for him to be wearing the silver and navy in September.
