The New York Jets selected Penn State star offensive tackle Olu Fashanu with the No. 11 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The former All-American started seven games in his rookie campaign before plantar fasciitis ended his season.
Fashanu's starts came in two separate stints, filling in for Morgan Moses at right tackle for Weeks Four and Five, and then was named the team's starting left tackle from Week 11 until his Week 16 injury.
Fashanu recently received a glowing review from Pro Football Focus. PFF's Thomas Valentine named Fashanu the NFL's most improved offensive tackle for 2025.
"Just across the way, the Jets are gearing themselves up for a breakout year of their own on offense." Wrote Valentine. "New York drafted Fashanu with the No. 11 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and the former Nittany Lion didn’t initially see much of the field early on despite starting at right tackle in Weeks 4 and 5, and even then, it was a rocky road. Between Weeks 3 and 9, Fashanu earned a 47.1 grade, 73rd out of 79 tackles, and his 9.2% pressure-rate allowed was also the sixth-highest among tackles."
Fashanu looked strong in his rookie campaign, but had up-and-down results once taking over for Tyron Smith at left tackle.
"The long-term plan was for him to take over from the veteran at left tackle – it just happened earlier than anticipated. What followed was the natural progression of a rookie playing one of the most difficult positions in football." Valentine noted. "Fashanu allowed 10 pressures in five games and dropped his pressure rate allowed to 5.5%, which was still in the top-30 for highest rates but was a noticeable improvement. From Week 11 to 16, Fashanu earned a 67.8 grade and often flashed excellent pass-blocking traits."
Fashanu is now part of what many are considering one of the best offensive line units in the NFL, protecting a new quarterback in Justin Fields, who is hoping for a breakout campaign.
"With Justin Fields at quarterback, the Jets will likely emphasis their running game in 2025, and while Fashanu has shown in college and with Smith retired, Fashanu enters the 2025 season as the undoubted starter at left tackle for the Jets and there’s a chance he breaks out as the league’s next great blindside protector." Valentine concluded.