The New York Jets are banking on No. 11 overall pick Olu Fashanu to deliver on their high expectations for him in his 2024 rookie season.
Jets on SI writer Kade Kistner appraised Fashanu and the role he will have on New York’s offensive line, which could make or break their season (h/t New York Jets on. SI’s Ralph Ventre):
“The 11th pick in the draft, Fashanu will be afforded the opportunity on Day 1 to make a significant impact on the Jets’ offensive line. The Penn State product will take over one of the tackle spots along the newly revamped line. The rookie will have plenty of pressure on him to perform in front of Aaron Rodgers. In fact, Fashanu’s performance this season may directly predicate whether New York ends up in the playoffs amidst a tough division,” Kistner wrote.
Olu Fashanu could anchor the Jets’ offensive line next season
To say that Fashanu impressed in college is an understatement. The Penn State product did not allow a single sack or quarterback hit in four seasons with the Nittany Lions. He came out of college as one of the highest rated O-Linemen and will bring his elite pass and run-blocking abilities to a unit that needs it next year.
Jets QB Aaron Rodgers is coming off of a torn Achilles suffered in Week 1 of the previous campaign. New York has an embarrassment of riches on their offensive depth chart, but if Rodgers does not stay healthy, their potential Super Bowl outing could go down the drain.
How Fashanu can directly impact Breece Hall & Aaron Rodgers’ performance
Then there’s the run game. Jets running back Breece Hall has been boasting about his skills, talents and expected role in the offense next season as of late. He’ll need a left tackle that can hold down the fort and help him eclipse the 1,000-yard rushing milestone, a total he was six yards shy of in 2023.
The 312-pound talent will be counted on to give Rodgers ample time to throw in the pocket and also help the line open up holes for Hall to exploit at the line of scrimmage. Fashanu will get a healthy workload to prove himself and help the franchise make good on projections that have them winning as many as 14 games and the AFC East division when the upcoming slate is said and done.
