In a strategic move aimed at fortifying their offensive line, the New York Jets opted for protection over adding a pass-catching threat in the first round of the NFL draft.
Penn State’s standout offensive tackle, Olu Fashanu, emerged as the Jets’ choice at No. 11 overall after the team executed a calculated trade-down maneuver Thursday night.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the pick, Jets’ general manager Joe Douglas stated, “I’m just excited about Olu. A proven pass protector, left tackle. I feel like he can really develop and become an impact player for us moving forward.”
The selection came following the Jets’ decision to trade the No. 10 overall pick to the Minnesota Vikings, who snagged Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy. As part of the deal, New York also sent a sixth-rounder (No. 203) to Minnesota, acquiring the No. 11 overall pick in return along with a fourth-rounder (No. 129) and a fifth-rounder (No. 157).
“They definitely showed interest,” remarked Fashanu during a video call with reporters. “Honestly, I think they did a good job of disguising it because it didn’t seem like any more than any other team that showed interest. I didn’t want to say it throughout the process, but after taking a (top) 30 visit after the combine, for me, the Jets was the obvious place for me.”
Fashanu’s addition comes as part of the Jets’ broader effort to shore up their offensive line, which saw frequent reshuffling due to injuries and inconsistency in the past seasons.
In a series of offseason moves, the Jets secured seasoned talents such as eight-time Pro Bowl selection Tyron Smith and former Ravens stalwart Morgan Moses. These acquisitions, alongside the signing of former Ravens guard John Simpson, are expected to provide stability upfront alongside center Joe Tippmann and right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker.
However, with Smith and Moses both in their thirties and on one-year deals, Fashanu emerges as a promising prospect not only for immediate depth but also as a potential long-term starter.
Olu Fashanu is 21 years old, 6 feet 6 inches tall, weighs 312 pounds, and has 34-inch arms. 697 career interceptions and 0 sacks. He has good basic skills, excellent athletic ability, stable attack point, and is always good at fighting hard ground anchors. He’s patient in his pass sets and rarely panics. Still young and developing; he’s only going to get better.
Fashanu’s collegiate career at Penn State showcased his prowess, earning him accolades such as Associated Press first-team All-America honors and the Big Ten offensive lineman of the year award.
Although Fashanu practiced extensively at right tackle during his college years, the Jets project him as a left tackle in the professional arena, citing his dominant performances in that position for Penn State.
“I think that’s what he’s had his most success at in high school and college,” noted Douglas. “Obviously, he’s been a dominant left tackle at Penn State the last two years. We’ve got a great room of vets that can take him under their wing and great coaches that can develop him.”
At 21 years old with a towering frame and impressive track record, Fashanu stands poised to make a significant impact on the Jets’ offensive line for years to come.
