The Jets have made a long-term investment along the offensive line. After moving down one spot, New York has selected Penn State tackle Olu Fashanu 11th overall.
After starting the night with the 10th-overall pick, the Jets managed to move back a spot and pick up some extra selections along the way. Despite the trade back, the organization still managed to snag one of their preferred prospects.
2022 marked the first full season as a starter for Fashanu, and he put himself firmly on the first-round 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. While he was the third lineman off the board tonight, Fashanu is still considered an elite prospect at the position.
The Jets will feature two new offensive tackles in 2024 after having added Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses. Smith, of course, has a long history with injuries, and the veteran is also approaching the end of his career. While Fashanu will surely be penciled into future Jets depth charts, there’s a chance the rookie sees playing time in 2024 as an injury fill-in.
This move comes after rumors pointed to the Jets giving Aaron Rodgers more receiving help, and while Brock Bowers remained on the board, the Jets saw the Bears nab Rome Odunze at No. 9. The team picked up some extra draft capital and opted to use another first-round pick on the O-line. This move follows the Mekhi Becton and Alijah Vera-Tucker investments during Joe Douglas‘ GM tenure. Considering the injury trouble Vera-Tucker and other Jets blockers endured over the past two years, fortifying the front with Fashanu is probably a wise decision.
Yessss!!! J E T S!!!!
Absolutely love this as a Jets fan. Smith and Moses are both old and up after this year. Fashanu looks like he’s a little development away from being a franchise LT. Bowers is a great prospect, but a good tackle is important and hard to find, let alone a cornerstone left tackle.
A+ first round for the Jets. Trade down, get good value extra picks, and still pick the guy you want at 11.
Great job by the Jets
Great pick for New York!
Wonder if the Jets really believe Rodgers will play being this upcoming year. McCarthy wouldn’t have been a bad choice, but the right pick was made for the upcoming year.
Rodgers is playing this upcoming season
Yeah, but for how long? So will Tyrod Taylor then. They’ll take another QB in the middle rounds.
I mean that’s just smart roster construction, no? Every team drafts qbs in the mid and late rounds