When the New York Jets drafted Olu Fashanu with the 11th overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, they envisioned the former Penn State standout as their long-term answer at left tackle.
Fashanu spent the summer primarily taking reps at left tackle, with a handful of snaps at right tackle toward the end of training camp. That foresight proved vital, as the rookie has started two games at right tackle this season, filling in for veteran Morgan Moses when he nursed a right knee injury.
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The Jets’ offensive line faced another challenge during their recent 21-13 victory over the Houston Texans. Entering the game, the Jets were already down to their fourth-string right guard in Jake Hanson, as Alijah Vera-Tucker, Wes Schweitzer, and Xavier Newman were all sidelined. When Hanson went down with a hamstring injury late in the second quarter, it prompted Fashanu to take the field at right guard – a position he had never played in his entire football career.
Yes, you heard me right. Fashanu had never recorded an in-game snap at right guard in his life.
In his first-ever appearance at the position, Fashanu’s transition was seamless enough to impress Ulbrich and the coaching staff, who praised the rookie’s adaptability in the high-pressure situation.
“Remarkable is the only word I can give it,” Ulbrich said. “Here’s a guy that, minus walk-through reps, minus drill-work at practice, that’s his only exposure to this position. No live reps, no team reps, and to go in there and function like he did, it’s unbelievable. Just a testament to the young man he is.”
Ulbrich continued, “For him to step in, especially a rookie to step in and play a position he’s not really familiar with, was exceptional. Even the holding call, I’d like to take a second look at that one.”
Ulbrich clarified Thursday that Fashanu had seen minimal practice time at guard. “Not very much, very, very little,” he admitted.
After taking over for Hanson with 22 seconds left in the second quarter, Fashanu lined up at right guard for each of the Jets’ remaining 37 offensive snaps. The rookie helped the Jets score touchdowns on all three of their second-half drives.
Despite limited preparation, Fashanu’s versatility and resilience have shown that the Jets’ confidence in his future was well-placed. He continues to prove himself as a core long-term piece of their offensive line.
