New York Jets first-round pick Olu Fashanu performed well in first-team action at Friday’s practice
When the New York Jets selected Olu Fashanu in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft, some questioned the reason behind using a first-round pick on an offensive lineman who would essentially be a backup heading into his rookie season.
Fashanu was meant to be insurance in the case of veteran starters Tyron Smith or Morgan Moses missing time with injury. And, in the first week of training camp, Fashanu is already getting his opportunity to prove himself.
On Friday, the 11th overall pick was spotted working with the first-team offense as Smith was given a rest day. Despite receiving a lack of first-team reps up to this point, the rookie performed admirably.
An excellent block from Fashanu helped create a big play in the run game for Breece Hall during team drills. The Jets rookie offensive lineman squared off primarily against second-year player Will McDonald and third-year player Jermaine Johnson. And it’s safe to say the Penn State product had no trouble holding his own against the Jets edge rushers.
I didn’t notice Olu Fashanu today, aside from specifically watching him on first play of practice. That’s good. Usually only time you notice OL is if it’s for wrong reasons.
Went against Jermaine Johnson, Will McDonald mostly. Good day for rookie protecting Aaron Rodgers #Jets
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) July 26, 2024
The Jets’ first-round pick not only impressed spectators, but his coaches as well.
Head coach Robert Saleh believes that Fashanu will be an excellent player in the NFL. Going forward, Saleh stated that the plan is for the Penn State product to only receive reps at left tackle.
Robert Saleh says the Jets plan to only get Olu Fashanu reps at left tackle for now:
"Olu's gonna be a really good football player in this league and all those reps are extremely valuable." pic.twitter.com/YUFGgmDa1P
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) July 26, 2024
That announcement is extremely important; it acts as a vote of confidence for the rookie. Protecting Aaron Rodgers’ blind side will be pivotal, especially considering how the four-time NFL MVP’s season ended last year. On top of that, it also gives Fashanu the ability to continue learning from one of the best at the position in Tyron Smith, who Fashanu called his “football idol.”
Smith’s injury history is a concern, but in his short time with the Jets he has proven to be an invaluable asset to the team. Multiple members of the Jets have praised the NFL veteran for his leadership this summer. That extended into Friday.
The eight-time Pro Bowler was seen mentoring the rookie throughout the Jets’ practice session. In fact, the two were seen on the field working together far after practice had ended. Smith’s mentorship will be critical in helping develop Fashanu as he enters his NFL career. And that relationship will be pivotal for the Jets this season.
In a worst-case scenario where Smith misses significant time this year, there’s now the possibility that Fashanu may not only perform admirably, but perhaps at an elite level. It’s early, but the signs are at least pointing in the right direction for the Jets rookie entering 2024.
