It takes a couple of years to truly grade a Draft class. Grades given immediately after a pick are frequently wrong and the subject of ridicule years later.
That doesn’t stop analysts from churning out instant grades.
For now let’s say Draft grades are stupid…unless they praise the Jets.
Joseph Acosta (SB Nation): A
The Jets have to make sure Aaron Rodgers is protected not only for 2024, but beyond. Yes, they signed Tyron Smith and acquired Morgan Moses, but both are older and injury-prone. Fashanu doesn’t have to play right away, but if he does he’s the best pure pass protector in this draft class. While he has room to grow as a run defender, he can learn from the best in Smith and become the left tackle of the future.
Brett Sobleski (Bleacher Report): A
Expectations can be difficult to handle, even when a player continues to perform at a high level.
Penn State’s Olumuyiwa Fashanu would have almost certainly been the first offensive tackle off the board had he chosen to declare for the 2023 NFL draft. He didn’t. Instead, the then-20-year-old admitted he wasn’t ready and felt the pressure.
Upon Fashanu’s return to Happy Valley, added reps became a way to pick apart his game, particularly inconsistencies as a run-blocker. His previous status as OT1 came into question, and then he found himself behind Notre Dame’s Joe Alt on most predraft boards.
However, Fashanu played at a high level throughout the 2023 campaign. He’s the most naturally gifted pass protector in the class. The junior prospect has the strength in his lower body, long arms and overall movement skills to mirror or stalemate any edge-rusher. To that point, Fashanu posted the longest stretch this past season (382 pass-block snaps) without allowing a sack or quarterback hit, according to Pro Football Focus.
The 312-pound tackle prospect can do a better job maintaining his balance through his run blocks and improving his aiming points. But his main job is to keep the quarterback upright, and he does so at a high level.
The New York Jets looked to be all-in this offseason. They know their window with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback isn’t likely to last long. If it doesn’t work out, another regime may be making next year’s draft picks.
But general manager Joe Douglas didn’t press the matter. He didn’t choose a prospect whom the Jets needed to make an immediate impact. Instead, Fashanu will help solidify an offensive line that’s been in flux with multiple additions this offseason.
Offensive tackle is technically settled with veterans Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses, but both are 33 years old. Smith in particular comes with a major injury risk, as he hasn’t played a full slate of games since 2015.
Fashanu will almost certainly find his way onto the field this year. Even when he does, he can learn from an all-time great in Smith.
Chad Reuter (NFL.com) Grade: B
Even after signing oft-injured Tyron Smith and trading for Morgan Moses (both are 33 years old) this offseason, the team decided to pick Fashanu. His build, intelligence and smooth movements on the edge are intriguing, to be sure, and he should have some time to develop behind the veterans. But his game is raw, and the Jets could have gone with tackle Taliese Fuaga or tight end Brock Bowers — both of whom are ready to play now.
Nick Baumgardner and Scott Dochterman (The Athletic): A
In the debate between need and want, the Jets went with the latter, and in doing so laid a foundation for the future up front. Fashanu likely will get thrown in as a rookie and could become an anchor for the next decade. As tempting as tight end Brock Bowers had to be here, the Jets made the right move. Fashanu is a left tackle, and that’s important for the Jets’ future.
Massive and explosive, Fashanu was a force for the Penn State offensive line the last two seasons. He considered leaving for the NFL after the 2022 season but chose to return and became a consensus All-American, the Big Ten’s Offensive Lineman of the Year and a finalist for the Campbell Trophy (the “Academic Heisman”).
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz (USA Today0: B+
At first blush, taking a 21-year-old pass protector for Aaron Rodgers doesn’t seem to compute for a team with a mandate to win in a one- or two-year window. Still, Fashanu will pay dividends for this team, even if it’s in the long term. The 6-6, 312-pounder is still green (no wordplay intended) but has all the physical tools to be a Pro Bowl fixture at left tackle, with his fleet feet especially standing out. And Robert Saleh and Co. now have an all-important insurance policy for Tyron Smith, the injury plagued blocker who hasn’t played a complete season since 2015.
Pro Football Focus: Good
The Jets offensive line has been a weak point for the last few years. Even though they brought in veteran tackles Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses to strengthen it, bringing in talented depth and getting a succession plan in place makes a lot of sense. Fashanu ranked in the 93rd percentile among qualifying college tackles in pass-blocking grade on true pass sets over the last two seasons.
Pete Prisco (CBS Sports): B-
He is a left tackle for the future, but also insurance if Tyron Smith can’t play the whole season, He is good in pass protection, but needs to improve his run blocking. This isn’t an all-in pick like Brock Bowers might have been.
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