New York Jets Draft Penn State’s Olu Fashanu, Bolstering Their Offensive Line and Providing Injury Insurance.
The New York Jets made a major move in the NFL draft Thursday night, selecting Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu with the 11th pick after trading down one spot. The Jets sent the No. 10 overall selection to the Minnesota Vikings, who drafted Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy. In return, the Jets received the 11th overall pick along with a fourth-rounder and a fifth-rounder.
The addition of Fashanu provides depth to the Jets’ offensive line, which has been a focus for general manager Joe Douglas in both free agency and this draft. With veteran signings like Tyron Smith, Morgan Moses, and John Simpson already on board, along with returning starters Joe Tippmann and Alijah Vera-Tucker, the Jets have built a solid offensive line.
However, with Smith and Moses both in their 30s and dealing with injury history, Fashanu provides insurance in case of any injuries this season. He also gives the team a potential long-term option at tackle for future seasons.
The Jets are looking to solidify their offensive line to give quarterback Aaron Rodgers the protection he needs to lead the team to success. With Fashanu’s addition to an already strong unit, they are well on their way to achieving that goal.
In summary, the New York Jets made a smart move by selecting Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu with the 11th pick after trading down one spot. The addition of Fashanu provides depth to their already solid offensive line while also providing insurance against injuries and potential long-term options at tackle for future seasons.