The New York Jets opted for an offensive line strategy with their first-round draft pick, deviating from expectations of selecting an offensive weapon early on.
Prioritizing Aaron Rodgers’ protection, they secured Olu Fashanu, enhancing depth across the offensive line.
Fashanu’s addition complements the offseason acquisitions of Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses at tackle, along with John Simpson for the interior line. Initially slated for the swing tackle role behind Smith and Moses, Fashanu’s potential impact may surpass mere backup duties, according to insights from Joe Tansey of Bleacher Report.
Tansey suggests that Fashanu might very well be in line to be a first-year starter for the Jets.
“Fashanu will start on one end of the offensive line and he should get better by just absorbing information from Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses on how to approach the position at the NFL level.”
While the timing of Fashanu’s potential starting role remains uncertain, injuries could sway the outcome in his favor.
Notably, Fashanu’s experience at left tackle positions him as a contender against Smith during camp. Yet, Smith’s established prowess suggests he holds the edge if healthy.
However, with Smith’s limited participation in training camp, Fashanu stands to gain valuable reps, potentially accelerating his path to a starting role if the veteran’s performance declines. Thus, while Fashanu’s immediate ascent to the starting lineup seems contingent on Smith’s status, his preseason opportunities could shape an unexpected outcome.
While the New York Jets didn’t make a “flashy” pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, it seems that Fashanu is ready to make an immediate impact on his new team.
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