Penn State had their first player in the NFL draft come off the board when Olu Fashanu was selected by the New York Jets with the 11th overall pick after they traded back with the Minnesota Vikings.
There was a lot of speculation that the Jets might take a playmaker, having been routinely linked to University of Georgia tight end Brock Bowers, however, they decided to bolster their offensive line by taking who might be the best pass blocking lineman in this draft.
After trading back and recuperating more draft capital, New York was able to land someone who can be an impactful starter from Day 1.
Here are five reasons why their decision was a smart move.
1
Elite Pass Blocker
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Fashanu has routinely been considered the best pass blocker in this draft class, evident by his production at Penn State when he rarely gave up a sack. The Jets are looking for someone who can protect on the line as they gave up the third-most sacks in 2023.
Aaron Rodgers is coming off a torn Achilles tendon so it’s imperative they keep him upright.
2
Coachable Player
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From everything that has come out of the Nittany Lions program, Fashanu is extremely coachable and has gotten better year after year. That is extremely important at the next level as he’ll be facing the highest competition he’s ever faced.
To become an elite player in the NFL, players have to be willing to be coached.
Fashanu will be and he’ll become a good player for the Jets because of that.
3
High Ceiling
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So, everyone knows about Fashanu’s pass blocking acumen, but that doesn’t mean he can’t turn into a solid run blocker as well. At 6-foot-6, 315 pounds he has some muscle he can put on his frame that can allow him to become a force in the run game,…
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