Every NFL player approaches the offseason with a unique goal. For New York Jets left tackle Olu Fashanu, it was all about adding bulk.
Speaking to reporters at training camp, Fashanu said he focused on increasing his muscle mass to play at a heavier weight entering his second season in the league.
“For me, it was more so about gaining a lot more muscle mass,” said the former Nittany Lion. “I want to be able to play at a slightly heavier weight than I was last year. I felt like last year I was on the lighter side of being a tackle, but now I feel a lot better, a lot stronger, and a lot more powerful.”
Fashanu was listed at 312 pounds last season.
Selected with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, Fashanu enters his second season with high expectations and the critical task of protecting quarterback Justin Fields’ blindside.
During the 2024 season, Fashanu served as Tyron Smith’s backup to open the season, but ultimately played in 15 games while being a pillar of versatility. He logged snaps at left tackle, right tackle, and right guard.
After struggling as a fill-in at right guard and right tackle, Fashanu finally returned to his natural left tackle position in Week 10. Across six appearances at left tackle (five starts), Fashanu performed well, allowing only one sack.
Now expected to take over as the Jets’ full-time left tackle, Fashanu will be a cornerstone of a high-upside offensive line facing immense pressure to perform.
With Fields under center and growing tension for a winning season in the Big Apple, New York is counting on the former No. 11 pick to anchor the blind side and lead a unit tasked with setting the tone up front.