After a draft day deal, the Jets added a pass protector with the 11th overall pick.
Minnesota traded pick No. 11, along with the 129th and 157th, in exchange for the Jets’ 10th overall pick and a sixth-rounder (203rd).
After moving back one spot, the Jets selected Penn State tackle Olu Fashanu, which should significantly bolster the team’s offensive line.
“It’s such a unique draft class at the tackle position because, you know, we really felt there were a handful of guys who were unbelievable players,” Jets general manager Joe Douglas said.
“With Olu…what he does in pass protection, very little pressure rates playing in one of the top conferences in the country. He is just a really high-level, high-attack pass protector. He’s a big giant body at 6-6, 315 pounds. He’s a very tough, competitive human being.”
Some draft analysts believed the Jets could draft Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze or Georgia tight end Brock Bowers to aid their passing attack. But the Bears selected Odunze ninth, leading the Jets to trade back one spot with the Vikings and draft one of the nation’s best tackles.
If teams are building an offensive lineman from scratch, Fashanu would be it. At 6-6 312 pounds, Fashanu has strong hands and is an explosive athlete off the line of scrimmage.
Fashanu is extremely strong and has a natural feel for pass protection. He also has the ability to play either tackle spot in the NFL, but the Jets see him as their left tackle of the future.
Analysts have criticized Fashanu’s run blocking during his time with the Nittany Lions. During Penn State’s 24-15 loss to Michigan, Fashanu lost some reps when he was bull-rushed off the line of scrimmage. He then lost his balance, and his mechanics were off, which led to Michigan defenders getting by him.
“As a lineman, I bring a lot of toughness, a lot of grit,” Fashanu said. “Most importantly, I feel like one of my best assets is consistency on the field. Never take any plays off, always give it my all.
“Great in pass protection, run blocking, but also great locker room guy as well. I’m going to be the same person day in and day out. I’m going to come in and work my tail off.
“I’m going to compete within the program because, at the end of the day, by competing with everyone, not only are you getting yourself better, you’re getting everyone around you better.”
During his Top 30 visit during the pre-draft process, Fashanu met with Douglas, Jets coach Robert Saleh, and offensive line coach Keith Carter. Fashanu told reporters the organization showed great interest in him during the visit.
“Honestly, I think they did a good job disguising it,” Fashanu said. “It didn’t seem like any more than any other team showed.
“I didn’t want to say it throughout the process, but after taking that 30 visit after the combine, the Jets were the obvious place for me.”
Fashanu will join a Jets offensive line that appears to have its starting five set with left tackle Tyron Smith, left guard John Simpson, center Joe Tippmann, Alijah Vera-Tucker, and right tackle Morgan Moses. Fashanu will learn from Smith, whom he idealized growing up when he played high school football at Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C.
The Jets offensive line has resembled a turnstile during the last two seasons. In 2022, 11 different players started games. Last season, the Jets had 14 different offensive line combinations in 17 games, which led the NFL.
“He was the first player I ever watched watching film as a tackle,” Fashanu said about Smith. “I didn’t start playing football until I was a freshman in high school. He was the absolute standard at left tackle.
“For me, getting the opportunity to watch years upon years of film of him and now having this great opportunity to learn with him and learn any tips or advice. What more can I ask for.”
With the Jets trading back a spot, they were able to add two extra picks in the fourth round. Without a second-round selection, the Jets could have enough ammunition to potentially trade into the second round and potentially add an offensive skill position player.
“It gives us a lot more flexibility,” Douglas said. “I’m sure just like it was at pick 10, there will be five or six different scenarios that we will run through.
“Having these extra picks has the flexibility to do different things.”
Fashanu will join a Jets offense that should improve from ranking 31st in yards and 29th in points per game last season. The primary reason for the inept offense was the absence of Aaron Rodgers.
Four plays into the season debut against the Bills last season, Rodgers tore his Achilles and missed the rest of the season. The Jets have gone to work this offseason, hoping to improve the team around Rodgers.
Gang Green acquired Smith, Simpson, and Moses. The Jets also signed wide receiver Mike Williams to a one-year contract,
Smith hasn’t played an entire season since 2015, and Moses has had off-season surgery on his torn pectoral muscle. Adding Fashanu will give the Jets a sense of protection in a season where they’re in win-now mode.
“You really can’t have enough depth at that position,” Douglas said about the offensive line. “It’s a cool room. You have two unbelievable vets at tackle.
“They’re really going to take the guys under the wings. All of our depth players have started games, so it is a really cool group.”
