2024 NFL Draft: One pivotal rookie for each team in the AFC East

New York Jets – T Olumuyiwa Fashanu (Round 1 – Pick 11)

As mentioned in the previous slide, the reason why Caedan Wallace didn’t get many snaps at left tackle while at Penn State was due to the dominance of Olumuyiwa Fashanu.

Selected with the No. 11 overall pick by the Jets, Fashanu. fills a big hold for the Jets even with the signing of Tyron Smith who will play left tackle for the Jets.  Because of the signing of Smith, the Jets could’ve went in another direction with their first round pick, but in looking towards the future at the position, Fashanu. will get to learn behind Smith while also giving the team depth along the offensive line.

What makes him a pivotal rookie?

It is the depth he adds to the offensive line as a backup to Smith and perhaps even getting some snaps at right tackle.  He’ll also push a veteran like Smith because if he doesn’t bring his game, the Jets will have a No. 1 overall pick waiting to step in and earn more snaps.  Smith also has a history of injury, which means Fashanu. is also big-time insurance for a Jets offensive line looking to protect Aaron Rodgers in the 2024 NFL season.

It's kind of funny that in the AFC East, a third-round pick in Wallace could end up being a starter before the No. 11 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.  But that just means one team is in better position than the other.  As far as Fashanu., he’ll be a starter at some point in 2024.