Meet the Rookies: Olu Fashanu

September 3, 2024

After the Jets traded 1 pick back with the Vikings in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft the New York Jets selected Olu Fashanu a tackle from Penn State. 

In 2020 Olu Fashanu graduated from Gonzaga High School and committed to Penn State to play football on December 18th, 2019, and was the 401st ranked prospect in the nation, 6th in Washington DC and 32nd ranked offensive tackle in the nation. Fashanu was a 3 star recruit and committed to Penn State on 17 offers and chose the Nitty Lions over colleges like Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma, and the University of Florida. 

In his true freshman year and sophomore years of college, Fashanu did not see any playing time, but that would change quickly in his Junior year in 2022. In his Junior year, he started 8 games before a season-ending injury, saw 281 pass-block snaps, and allowed 0 sacks. That year he was also named the Coaches Offensive Player of the Year twice, vs Purdue and Auburn. His senior year was more impressive than his Junior year, he started 12 games, saw 382 pass-blocking snaps, allowed 0 sacks, and was a captain. His accolades in 2023 would be historic, he was 1st team All-Big 10, Big 10 offensive lineman of the year, and 1st team All-American. His amazing college career led him to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft.

In his draft scouting process, he was looked at as a sought-after offensive line prospect. He was listed at 6’6” and 312 pounds, in the 40-yard dash he ran a 5.11, his vertical was 32”, and his broad jump was 9’1”. Fashanu was known for his prototypical height, weight, and length, precise footwork, good processing skills, and his pass-blocking ability. As a prospect, he was ranked 13th by Mel Kiper, 7th by Bleacher Report, and 15th by Daniel Jeremiah. As a prospect, he was ranked 13th by Mel Kiper, 7th by Bleacher Report, and 15th by Daniel Jeremiah.

On April 25th, 2024 the Jets selected Olu Fashanu with the 11th overall pick after they traded back with the Vikings in exchange for the 11th pick, 129th pick, and 157th pick while giving up the 10th pick and 203rd pick. 

Olu Fashanu will not become a starter this year but will see playing time, but for now, in 2024 he will continue to develop into a starter for years to come.