Jaguars fortify offensive trenches with Troy Fautanu in The 33rd Team's Mock Draft

The Jacksonville Jaguars didn't properly address the offensive line in the offseason. That's led to struggles in both the pass-blocking and the running game. This is why making upgrades should be one of their top priorities in 2024. More specifically, both guard positions could use a boost. The 33rd Team seems to agree. They have them picking Troy Fautanu in the first round of their latest mock draft.

The 33rd Team recently posted their mock draft on social media. There's no analysis on why Fautanu would be landing in Jacksonville but it's a good pick that fills a need. A two-year starter at Washington, Fautanu is one of the top offensive lineman prospects in the draft. He mostly lined up at left tackle for the Huskies but he's projected to move inside in the NFL.

Brandon Thorn of the Bleacher Report scouting department praises Fautanu for being a willing blocker who can get to the second level with ease. He's equally adept in pass protection but his overaggressiveness, especially when delivering blows, sometimes leaves him exposed to defenders who can set their moves.

Overall, Thorn thinks Fautanu's 6-4 frame and explosiveness make him an ideal fit at guard, and a potential Day 1 starter with Pro Bowl potential. Pro Football Focus also has rave reviews of Fautanu, crediting him with just two sacks and 21 total pressures on 567 pass-blocking snaps in 2023. He's 38th in their 2024 big board.

Why should the Jaguars draft Troy Fautanu in 2024?

Troy Fautanu made 26 starts at left tackle and two at left guard in college. He could be an option to replace Cam Robinson if he becomes a cap casualty and Walker Little isn't seen as the long-term answer on the edge. Another more plausible alternative is to plug him in at left guard to bring much-needed stability at the position.

Incumbent Ezra Cleveland joined the Jaguars midseason and is set to become a free agent in 2024. He's dealt with injuries the past few weeks and hasn't put enough tape to guarantee his return next season. Maybe he could return on a one-year deal with a chance to raise his stock. Conversely, the team's brass could go after Fautanu in the first round.

As of this writing, Jacksonville is trending toward making the playoffs. If that's the case, they'll be picking in the 20s, where Fautanu will be available. He's currently 44th on CBS Sports' big board, so he figures to be a late first-round selection or an early second-rounder.

The Jags could then address their other needs (center, pass rusher) with their following picks. The only issue with that or any route they take in the round is that they won't have a pick in either the two or third round. They'll give the Atlanta Falcons a second-round pick as part of the trade they made to acquire Calvin Ridley in 2022 or it will be a third if they let him walk. Either way, it will affect the team's strategy come April.

Knowing that fixing the interior offensive line should be one of the top priorities in the offseason, Troy Fautanu would be an intriguing addition. While the Jacksonville Jaguars will have ample choices, nobody will complain if he's the pick.

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