If the Jets are to go far this season, they’ll need more than a healthy Aaron Rodgers. A solid, dependable offensive line will not only protect the team’s quarterback but allow the rest of the Jets offense to hum.
GM Joe Douglas and the front office picked up a couple of veteran tackles in Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses to improve on the 31st-ranked line (per Pro Football Focus) from a year ago. They also drafted Olu Fashanu out of Penn State in the first round of this year’s draft to bolster their depth and create sustainability for the future.
Fashanu was highly touted and projected to go in the first round, the Jets had a number of options at the tackle position at No. 11 but they went with the Penn State standout and are impressed.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing him go against other players,” coach Robert Saleh said of Fashanu after Saturday’s Green and White practice. “He’s very strong in his lower half. He is a sponge…technician in every sense of the word. Very smart, very willing. Definitely did not miss on that kid.”
The transition from the college game to the NFL can be daunting, especially on the offensive line. Saleh said that the defensive line in today’s game is the best in terms of athleticism and speed, and college o-lines aren’t necessarily refined enough to handle a pass rush. Protecting on run plays is one thing, but going up against Myles Garrett, Micah Parsons and others is another.
Saleh believes that’s going to be the toughest transition for Fashanu and the Maryland native agrees, and he has had to experience that first-hand protecting against the vaunted Jets d-line this training camp.
“It’s been great just having this opportunity to go against one of the best defenses in the league,” Fashanu said. “It’s challenging at times, but I’m taking every rep. At the end of the day, we’re just getting each other better… Everyone’s a lot bigger, quicker, stronger [in the NFL]. To be a half second more quick than I was last year will make all the difference.”
Aside from going up against the Jets’ defense, the 21-year-old appreciates being around Smith and Moses during camp.
Fashanu has taken every opportunity to learn from Smith, an eight-time Pro Bowler in 13 seasons, and Moses, a 10-year vet in his own right. But they’ve also gone out of their way to teach the rookie.
“I feel like a lot of people aren’t blessed to be in that type of position where you have two great tackles in the same room,” Fashanu said of his experience.
The two veteran tackles are imparting their knowledge on how to work your hands in certain situations and how to “load up” and get off the line. And while Fashanu is getting on and off-field experience, he’s going to start the season on the bench, which both he and the organization know is best.
Saleh said the goal is that Fashanu doesn’t have to play regularly this season because that would mean Smith and the others remain healthy. And while that could be disappointing for such a high draft pick, Fashanu is looking at it in a different way.
“To be honest I don’t think about it,” Fashanu said. “I have a Hall of Fame left tackle and another veteran in the room. I try to think about it like that.”
Source Agencies
