Gang Green Nation
It takes a couple of years to truly grade a Draft class. Grades given immediately after a pick are frequently wrong and the subject of ridicule years later.
That doesn’t stop analysts from churning out instant grades.
For now let’s say Draft grades are stupid...unless they praise the Jets.
The Jets have to make sure Aaron Rodgers is protected not only for 2024, but beyond. Yes, they signed Tyron Smith and acquired Morgan Moses, but both are older and injury-prone. Fashanu doesn’t have to play right away, but if he does he’s the best pure pass protector in this draft class. While he has room to grow as a run defender, he can learn from the best in Smith and become the left tackle of the future.
Expectations can be difficult to handle, even when a player continues to perform at a high level.
Penn State’s Olumuyiwa Fashanu would have almost certainly been the first offensive tackle off the board had he chosen to declare for the 2023 NFL draft. He didn’t. Instead, the then-20-year-old admitted he wasn’t ready and felt the pressure.
Upon Fashanu’s return to Happy Valley, added reps became a way to pick apart his game, particularly inconsistencies as a run-blocker. His previous status as OT1 came into question, and then he found himself behind Notre Dame’s Joe Alt on most predraft boards.
However, Fashanu played at a high level throughout the 2023 campaign. He’s the most naturally gifted pass protector in the class. The junior prospect has the strength in his lower body, long arms and overall movement skills to mirror or stalemate any edge-rusher. To that point, Fashanu posted the longest stretch this past season (382 pass-block snaps) without allowing a sack or quarterback hit, according to Pro Football Focus.
The 312-pound tackle prospect can do a better job maintaining his balance through his run blocks and improving his aiming points. But his main job is to keep the quarterback upright, and he does so at a high level.
The New York Jets looked to be all-in this offseason. They know their window with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback isn’t likely to last long. If it doesn’t work out, another regime may be making next year’s draft picks.
But general manager Joe Douglas didn’t press the matter. He didn’t choose a prospect whom the Jets needed to make an immediate impact. Instead, Fashanu will help solidify an offensive line that’s been in flux with multiple additions this offseason.
Offensive tackle is technically settled with veterans Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses, but both are 33 years old. Smith in particular comes with a major injury risk, as he hasn’t played a full slate of games since 2015.
Fashanu will almost certainly find his way onto the field this year. Even when he does, he can learn from...
