On Thursday night, the New York Jets made a move in the NFL draft by trading down one spot and selecting Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu with the 11th pick. The decision to trade down came after the Jets traded the No. 10 overall selection to the Minnesota Vikings, who chose Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy. In exchange for moving down one spot, New York also received picks in the fourth and fifth rounds from Minnesota, along with sending a sixth-rounder their way.
Fashanu’s addition to the Jets’ offensive line provides additional depth and protection for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, as well as addressing concerns about injuries and inconsistency among starting linemen. General manager Joe Douglas had prioritized upgrading the unit in free agency by signing veteran Pro Bowler Tyron Smith, acquiring tackle Morgan Moses from the Baltimore Ravens, and adding former Ravens guard John Simpson. While these new additions are expected to start alongside center Joe Tippmann and right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, there are concerns about their age and injury history, prompting Fashanu to be seen as a valuable option in case of injury this season and a potential starter next season to address any long-term concerns for the team.