Jul 25, 2024; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets offensive tackle Olu Fashanu (74) warms up during training camp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-USA TODAY Sports
In a season that has been full of some very hard pills to swallow, one positive has been the play of Olu Fashanu. Fashanu, who was drafted 11th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, had some big potential coming into the NFL behind him. In 2022, Fashanu was recognized as a member of Second-team All-Big 10. He continued to impress on the collegiate level in 2023, adding to his long list of accolades by making the First-team All-Big 10, winning the Big 10 Offensive Lineman of the Year, and being a consensus All-American.
The Jets knew exactly the player they got from Penn State when drafting Fashanu. The Jets, who struggled a great deal at the offensive line in 2023, looked to improve it with some young power in Fashanu. Aside from Fashanu, the Jets also added Tyron Smith knowing very well about his injury history. This all but ensured that Fashanu would get to see some playing time this season. Spoiler alert, he has delivered on just about all fronts.
Earlier this year, Fashanu was asked to fill in for Morgan Moses at the right tackle position. Unfortunately, Fashanu struggled here a great deal. He allowed a combined nine pressures in his two games at that spot and just looked downright bad at times. Fortunately for Fashanu and Jets fans alike, he would not need to play many games there. This was probably for the best as he had many fans already threatening to turn their backs on him, especially with Tyron Smith remaining pretty healthy.
Smith’s ability to remain healthy forced Fashanu to get some time from the right guard position. His play at right guard wasn’t awful, but it was nothing compared to how he did on Sunday at left tackle. On Sunday against Arizona, we finally saw Fashanu get a look as the team’s left tackle, playing that position the entire second half. Fashanu looked great at left tackle, and fans and coaches alike were very pleased with the young man’s performance in what is sure to be his full-time role going forward.
In his 33 total snaps in Week 10 against Arizona that he played at left tackle, Fashanu finished with an outstanding 75.7 Pro Football Focus grade. This was the second-highest out of all the Jets players in Week 10. He also was a very valuable run blocker, picking up a grade of 83.7 from PFF. This was second to only John Simpson out of all Jets offensive linemen and run blockers. The numbers don’t lie, and Fashanu looked excellent on Sunday.
It’s not a surprise to anyone that Fashanu excelled in his regular spot. Throughout his entire high school and college career, he only played left tackle. Switching positions for Fashanu couldn’t be easy. He was tasked with filling in for players in big spots he wasn’t familiar playing, and when given his regular position back, he excelled in more ways than one. His poor play in the beginning of the season can be excused, as long as he continues to impress at left tackle.
At this point, with the season all but over for the Jets, moving Fashanu to left tackle permanently could be a great move, even if/when Smith is ready to return. The fact is Smith doesn’t have it anymore, and he will almost certainly not be on the roster next year. Why not let Fashanu stay here permanently and get some more reps in? Unfortunately, this season is now a lost cause. However, if there’s anything positive to talk about anywhere on this team, look no further than Olu Fashanu. He very well could be Gang Green’s next great offensive lineman.