At the end of the 2022 college football season, many expected Olu Fashanu to head to the NFL. Regarded as one of the top offensive tackles in last year’s class, he made the surprising decision to remain with Penn State for one more season. Now, though, he is prepared to turn pro. 
The redshirt junior announced on Friday that he has declared for the 2024 draft. Fashanu again finds himself in the conversation for the top offensive lineman (tackle or otherwise) available, and he will not need to wait long to hear his name called. He joins Notre Dame’s Joe Alt in turning pro this spring, and the pair will be in competition to be the first O-lineman taken off the board.
“A year ago I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to declare for the NFL draft,” Fashanu’s announcement reads in part. “I am forever grateful that I made the decision to come back and compete with my brothers one last time while also graduating.”
2022 marked the first full season as a starter for Fashanu, and he put himself firmly on the top-10 radar by earning All-American honors. After electing to remain in college for one more season, the 6-6, 313-pounder was again an anchor for the Nittany Lions up front, allowing just one sack in pass protection. Despite having been in school for four years, Fashanu will be just 21 through most of his rookie campaign in the NFL.
Given that, he profiles has having high upside along with an encouraging blend of size, athleticism and footwork. Fashanu is listed as a top-10 prospect in many draft rankings, and ESPN’s Matt Miller has him being selected fifth overall by Washington in his latest mock. The Commanders are one of several teams projected to be near the top of the order which will be on the lookout for a new left tackle (or at least offensive line help) this offseason. Fashanu will likely have the opportunity to serve as a starter right away once he begins his NFL career in September.
When these players declare, do they pull themselves out of their bowl games? I know they do that when they enter the transfer portal.
Most of them do .. it’s to protect themselves from injury .. If their not playing for a national title , or that capital one bowl trophy is really important to them .. other wise it’s time to prepare for the combine
Should be drafted #1 if the bears are serious about Justin Fields.. regardless him and Alt should be top 5-10 picks .. Football is game that can be won and lost in the trenches .. and your not picking in the top 10 because your O-line is awesome .. just sayin’ ..
No question the Bears would do well to add an early first round franchise LT, moving Braxton Jones inside or to a swing role. However, their own 1st rounder might be high enough to get one of Alt or Fashanu.
I also love the idea of trading down from #1 if Carolina finishes with the worst record. They could make someone pay up for Williams (or Maye) and still add top rated WR & OT. JC Latham could be an immediate AllPro type if they miss out on the big two OTs, while acquired picks could net first year starters at positions like C, RB, S, or another WR from a very deep pool (with a future 1st and more squirreled away for next year).
Hope they ride with Fields one more year!