NY Jets trade back one spot, select OT Olu Fashanu in NFL draft

The New York Jets traded back and took an offensive tackle

After weeks of speculation, the New York Jets have both traded back and taken a top tackle prospect.

The Jets opted to go with Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu at No. 11 overall despite the rumors that they would target an offensive playmaker. They traded back one spot with the Minnesota Vikings, who moved up to take Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy. The Jets added picks No. 129 and 157 in the trade down, sending No. 203 (the sixth-rounder they got for Zach Wilson) back to Minnesota. They then took Fashanu at No. 11.

Fashanu brings a great pass-blocking floor as a player and great developmental upside. He is one of the youngest prospects at his position.

By forgoing an offensive weapon, the Jets are opting to solidify a unit that has suffered countless injuries in the past. Between Tyron Smith, Morgan Moses, and Alijah Vera-Tucker, multiple players on the Jets’ starting unit have injury risks. Adding Fashanu helps solidify their unit.

By adding depth to an offensive line that desperately needs it, the Jets are making an effort to keep Aaron Rodgers upright, which ultimately gives them the best chance to win in 2024.

Rumors swirled in the days leading up to the draft that the Jets would select Georgia tight end Brock Bowers. However, according to SNY’s Connor Hughes, that was a draft mirage.

From what I’m told: The #Jets never considered Brock Bowers here. That was a smokescreen.

— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) April 26, 2024

It will be interesting to see how quickly Fashanu hits the field. With Smith and Moses at the bookends, he may well see a redshirt season barring an injury. Though Fashanu possesses potential as a pass-blocker, he has a lot of work to do in the run game. Sitting for a year would be an optimal position for him.

The Jets’ next pick is not until No. 72 barring a trade up. With the additional fourth and fifth-round picks that Joe Douglas acquired in the trade back, he could potentially seek to get back into the second round to take a playmaker.

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