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2023 NFL Draft: Top Two Tackles Face Off In Happy Valley

By Jacob Schyvinck

STATE COLLEGE, PA - SEPTEMBER 24: Offensive lineman Olumuyiwa Fashanu #74 of the Penn State Nittany Lions lines up against the Central Michigan Chippewas during the first half at Beaver Stadium on September 24, 2022 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA - SEPTEMBER 24: Offensive lineman Olumuyiwa Fashanu #74 of the Penn State Nittany Lions lines up against the Central Michigan Chippewas during the first half at Beaver Stadium on September 24, 2022 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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The potential top two tackles who could come off the board in the 2023 NFL Draft face off as Ohio State takes on Penn State.

The 2023 NFL Draft tackle class is a group that’s getting deeper as the season goes on, and it really starts in the Big Ten. Maryland’s Jaelyn Duncan has been impressive this season as he was in summer scouting. His initial explosion and straight line speed make for a strong space blocker, and he’s got the lateral quicks and clean footwork to hold up as a pass protector. Having Peter Skoronski in the top two is a fair argument at this point, as he’s been as technical and powerful as anyone, and has the high football IQ.

As it stands though, the top two are competing early on Saturday, as Ohio State takes on Penn State. Paris Johnson Jr. had the pedigree as a high recruit, and waited his turn to play tackle, sliding in at right guard in 2021. He’s made the move to left tackle in 2022, and he’s really hit his stride lately, having to shed the habits he had at guard. His impressive footwork, reactive athleticism to mirror, and power to handle explosive rushers is fantastic. Since the NFL certainly values traits and recruiting pedigree, it’s hard to imagine he escapes the top 15 (if not top 10) in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Olumuyiwa Fashanu is a very young player at tackle, not having turned 20 yet. He’s eligible for the 2023 NFL Draft should he declare though, and based on his play this season, the decision to enter the NFL should be easy. Fashanu has been dynamite in pass protection. He looks great on a variety of sets, from a 45-degree set or a vertical set. Fashanu has the powerful punch and grip strength to land initial strikes and maintain leverage, whilst also refusing to give up the corner to speed rushers. He stays balanced, can reset his hands, and has the footwork to mirror.

Fashanu will draw a tough matchup against a fellow 2023 NFL Draft prospect in Zach Harrison and a future star in Jack Sawyer. This is a great game to get more recognition in the draft community. Johnson won’t have that difficult of a matchup, but continuing to show the improvement game-by-game is important for him. Tune in, cause it’s going to be a tackle showcase.

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