One bold NFL prediction for Jets No. 11 overall pick Olumuyiwa Fashanu in 2024

The New York Jets addressed their left tackle needs before the 2024 NFL Draft by signing All-Pro left tackle Tyron Smith to a one-year deal.  With Aaron Rodgers returning, solidifying the O-line was priority No. 1 in the offseason, the other priority was adding more playmakers around the veteran quarterback.  So, what did the Jets do with the No. 11 pick?  Well, they drafted tackle Olumuyiwa Fashanu.

This Penn State stud went exactly where he was projected to go in the draft, but the Jets could’ve gone in another direction and snagged tight end Brock Bowers at that spot or another playmaker.  As tempting as that had to be for the Jets, the tackle position was just that important, even with adding veterans like Smith, Morgan Moses and John Simpson to the mix.

Why the New York Jets were smart with the selection of Olumuyiwa Fashanu

With the Fashanu pick, the Jets were thinking long-term and added insurance for Smith who has been injury-riddled the last few years.  With not much pressure on the 6-foot-6, 312-pound First team Associated Press All-American, he can learn behind one of the best in Smith and perhaps get a chance to earn snaps during his rookie season at both tackle spots.

As a prototypical tackle when it comes to overall size, the Jets are going to be tempted to get Fashanu on the field in any way they can, especially on running downs since he is known as a solid run blocker.  With a Jets running game led by the explosive Breece Hall, the Penn State product could be a value even if he is not a starter.  Watch for the Jets to find creative ways to get him on the field as much as possible in the upcoming season.

Bold prediction for the 2024 NFL season

When it comes to bold predictions, Fashanu won’t have the opportunity to make a Day 1 impact like a Joe Alt, JC Latham or even a player taken after him like Taliese Fuaga, but a mid-season injury to Tyron Smith will lead to the rookie eventually taken over as the starter protecting Rodgers’ blind side. 

It will be Rodgers who will be the biggest winner of this selection as he’ll get time in the pocket to do his thing and every NFL fan knows what the 40-year-old QB can still do when he gets time to manipulate the pocket.  Fashanu will also allow the Jets’ offense to lean on a balanced running and passing attack as he adds depth and talent to the line in his ability to pass protect and agility as a run blocker.

There will still be some growing pains, but the talent and natural traits he possesses as a tackle will shine through and the Jets organization as well as fans will feel confident that the team has finally locked in on a left tackle of the future.