On Thursday night, the New York Jets made a move in the NFL draft by selecting Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu with the 11th pick. The decision came after the Jets traded down one spot from No. 10 overall selection to Minnesota Vikings who chose Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy. In exchange, the Jets received picks in the fourth and fifth rounds from Minnesota and sent a sixth-rounder their way.
Fashanu, at 6-foot-6, 312 pounds, adds depth to the Jets’ offensive line and provides additional protection for quarterback Aaron Rodgers. General manager Joe Douglas had been focusing on upgrading the unit through free agency, including signing veteran Pro Bowler Tyron Smith and acquiring tackle Morgan Moses from Baltimore Ravens.
Douglas also added former Ravens guard John Simpson to address any concerns about inconsistency among their starters. With Smith and Moses both being 33 years old and having recent injury issues that have limited their playing time, there are concerns about their age and injury history.
Both players signed one-year deals with the Jets, making Fashanu a valuable option in case of injury this season and a potential starter next season to address any long-term concerns for the team.
In summary, the New York Jets traded down one spot in the NFL draft to select Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu with the 11th pick. The decision was prompted by injuries and inconsistencies among their starters in free agency. The addition of veteran Pro Bowler Tyron Smith, acquiring tackle Morgan Moses from Baltimore Ravens, adding former Ravens guard John Simpson were aimed at addressing these concerns. However, there are still concerns about the age and injury history of veterans tackles which make Fashanu an important option for this season.