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What they're saying about Penn State All-American Olu Fashanu going to the New York Jets

Greg Pickelby:Greg Pickel•04/25/24•

GregPickel

New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas speaks at a press conference at the NFL Scouting Combine at Indiana Convention Center. (Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)
New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas speaks at a press conference at the NFL Scouting Combine at Indiana Convention Center. (Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)

Penn State All-American offensive Olu Fashanu is a New York Jet. The Maryland native was selected by the AFC East franchise with the No. 11 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. Jets general manager Joe Douglas explained the pick during a media session with reporters shortly after it was made.

“With Olu, obviously him being a left tackle, what he does in pass pro, his production in pass pro, he has very low-pressure rates playing in one of the best conferences in the country,” Douglas said. “He’s just a really high-level, high-impact pass protector. I don’t think he gets enough credit for his run-blocking. He’s a very tough, competitive young man.”

Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers told the Pat McAfee broadcast on ESPN that the franchise “really loved Olu Fashanu.” New York does have some veteran offensive linemen, including at tackle with Morgan Moses, who the team traded with Baltimore to get to man the right side in March, and former Dallas Cowboys left tackle Tyron Smith, who the Jets also added in March. Still, the Jets see him as their left tackle of the future.

“I think that’s what he’s had his most success at in high school and college. And, obviously has been a dominant left tackle at Penn State the last two seasons,” Douglas said. “We’ve got a great room of vets that can take him under their wing and great coaches who can develop him.”

What else is being said about Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu going to the New York Jets?

Scott Dochterman of The Athletic grades the pick as an A. He writes:

“In the debate between need and want, the Jets went with need. With a pair of thirtysomething free agents at the tackle spots, the Jets opted to lay a foundation for the future with Fashanu. He likely will get thrown in as a rookie, and could become an anchor for the next decade. As tempting as drafting tight end Brock Bowers was, the Jets made the right move. Fashanu is a left tackle, and that’s important for the Jets’ future.”

Pete Prisco of CBS Sports, on the other hand, gave a B grade.

“He is a left tackle for the future, but also insurance if Tyron  Smith can’t play the whole season,” Prisco writes. “He is good in pass protection, but needs to improve his run blocking. This isn’t an all-in pick like Brock Bowers might have been”

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