The New York Jets took a calculated gamble by selecting Olu Fashanu with the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft despite already having two established tackles on the roster. With Morgan Moses now sidelined, Fashanu is thrust into the spotlight sooner than expected. After his impressive performance stepping in during the fourth quarter against the Patriots, it raises an important question: Could Fashanu already be poised to become the long-term anchor for the Jets' offensive line, and how much can we expect from him as he steps into a larger role?
With Moses sidelined for several weeks, it’s officially Fashanu’s time in New York. Drafting him was initially seen as a long-term strategy, allowing him to develop without the immediate pressure of stepping into a starting role. However, when Moses went down during Thursday night's game, Fashanu was called into action—and he didn’t disappoint.
It was a refreshing and exciting moment for Jets fans. Fashanu's skill set was immediately evident, along with the noticeable strides he's made since his college days. He displayed the nimble footwork and agility that made him a top prospect, paired with a firm, confident strike in pass protection. Lining up against New England Patriots defensive end Keion White—who has quickly developed into a formidable pass rusher—Fashanu quickly proved he belonged on the field.
What stood out even more was his improvement in power and leverage in the run game, which he applied with consistency. His ability to move smoothly and decisively at the second level showcased his quick adjustment to the speed and intensity of the professional game.
As Fashanu steps in for the injured Moses, there's plenty to look forward to. His performance with a full game’s worth of snaps will be telling, but if his debut was any indication, the Jets have little to worry about. Fashanu already shows flashes of becoming the franchise tackle they envisioned when they made him a first-round pick.
The question now is, how high can Fashanu’s ceiling go, and is he ready to solidify himself as the future cornerstone of an already strong Jets' offensive line?
