New York Jets Draft Penn State Offensive Tackle Olu Fashanu to Boost Up offensive Line Unit
On Thursday night, the New York Jets made a significant move in the NFL draft by trading down one spot and selecting Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu with the 11th pick. This decision came after the Jets traded the No. 10 overall selection to the Minnesota Vikings, who chose Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy. In exchange for moving down one spot, New York received picks in the fourth and fifth rounds from Minnesota, along with sending a sixth-rounder their way.
The Jets had been facing challenges with injuries and inconsistency among their offensive line starters, prompting general manager Joe Douglas to focus on upgrading the unit in free agency. The team signed veteran Pro Bowler Tyron Smith, acquired tackle Morgan Moses from the Baltimore Ravens, and added former Ravens guard John Simpson to address these concerns. However, there were concerns about the age and injury history of these veteran tackles. Smith and Moses are both 33 years old, with recent injury issues that have limited their playing time. Both players signed one-year deals with the Jets, making Fashanu a valuable option in case of injury this season and a potential starter next season to address any long-term concerns for the team.
At 6-foot-6, 312 pounds, Fashanu adds depth to the Jets’ offensive line and provides additional protection for quarterback Aaron Rodgers. With his strong play in college and impressive performance at pro day workouts, Fashanu was expected to be selected high in this year’s draft class. Although there are concerns about his size and potential limitations as an interior lineman at the next level, he has shown promise as a versatile player who can excel both on pass blockers or run blockers positions.
In conclusion, The New York Jets made an excellent move by trading down one spot and selecting Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu with the 11th pick in this year’s NFL draft. This decision will help upgrade their offensive line unit while also providing additional protection for quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
