Analyst suggests OT is ideal fit for New York Jets in first round of 2024 NFL Draft

Now, as the draft nears, general manager Joe Douglas and the Jets could look to snag a top offensive tackle to bookend Smith to double down on the commitment to protecting Rodgers.

Olu Fashanu an Ideal NFL Draft Fit for New York Jets

In a loaded offensive tackle class, Penn State All-American left tackle Olu Fashanu is one of the premier players at the position.

ESPN’s Jordan Reid suggests Fashanu is a perfect fit to fill one of the Jets’ most glaring needs with the No. 10 overall pick in this year’s draft.

“The Jets also need an offensive playmaker,” Reid admits. “So, I considered that option. But with durability questions for newly acquired Tyron Smith, let’s not forget about left tackle. I think developing Fashanu as the heir apparent makes sense; he could end up playing significant time as a rookie and helping keep Aaron Rodgers upright.”

Meanwhile, ESPN’s Matt Miller suggests Fashanu could be the next Terron Armstead, who has made five Pro Bowls.

If Fashanu winds up the Jets’ selection, and he lives up to those lofty expectations, Douglas will have knocked this selection out of the park.

Olu Fashanu Scouting Report

Fashanu offers plenty of upside.

At 6-foot-6 and 319 pounds, Fashanu didn’t allow a sack during his three seasons in Happy Valley, and only surrendered one quarterback hit while garnering First-Team All-American recognition.

“Fashanu has high-end physical tools,” The Bleacher Report Scouting Department writes of Fashanu. “With rarely seen polish as a pass-protector that is counterbalanced with being more underdeveloped as a finisher in the run game. His ability to thrive on an island in pass protection right away with the tools, runway and flashes necessary to make improvements as a run-blocker indicates a franchise-caliber blind-side protector who can at least be average in the run game.

As Pro Football Focus points out, Fashanu only surrendered 16 total quarterback pressures in 733 pass-blocking snaps, while garnering an elite 88.4 pass-rush grade from the outlet.