The New York Jets’ 2024 first-round pick played a new position on Saturday, and he thinks the experience went well.
During his post-game media availability, offensive tackle Olu Fashanu spoke about playing right tackle for the first time against the Carolina Panthers.
“I mean, it was a great experience. Obviously, I never played out right tackle before in an actual game, so it felt really good just getting game reps; you know, it’s just going to help me in the long run for my career, just being versatile, being able to play multiple positions. So it’s good.”
Fashanu said he feels he is in a “good spot” at the position and knows he has to “continue to get better” there. The rookie also spoke about leaning on the team’s veterans to help him adjust to right tackle.
“A lot. And thankfully, I’m in such a great room where going to have guys like AVT and Morgan [Moses] who are just behind me all the time, just always giving me advice, you know, helping me out with anything I need. So it’s been a good process.”
Based on his game Saturday and earlier practice reps, Fashanu already has some comfortability at right tackle. His run blocking is adequate with room to improve, while he looked very natural in his pass pro reps.
The rookie will likely only improve in every aspect of his game going forward due to the veterans around him and his own work ethic. If Fashanu continues to build upon the play he has shown, he will be a crucial long-term centerpiece for New York and likely play a big role when called upon in 2024.
