The New York Jets are pinning high hopes on their recent acquisition, offensive tackle Olu Fashanu, whom they snagged with the 11th overall pick in the latest 2024 NFL Draft. The team anticipates that Fashanu will not only provide immediate support as a rookie but will also secure the critical role of the team’s long-term starting left tackle.
Scouts widely regard Fashanu as one of the top pass-blocking talents in this year’s draft, praising his exceptional athleticism and length, which hint at his potential to reach All-Pro status in the NFL. Comparisons to former Jets left tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson have been rife, both due to their shared attributes and the similarities in their skill sets.
Standing tall at 6-foot-6 and weighing 312 pounds, Fashanu mirrors Ferguson’s physical stature almost precisely. Additionally, their Combine metrics, with Ferguson clocking a 5.08 40-yard dash and Fashanu not far behind at 5.11, further underline their likeness.
Both players entered the draft with comparable strengths and weaknesses, particularly excelling as pass blockers while needing refinement in their run-blocking abilities. Furthermore, they both earned first-team All-American honors in their final collegiate seasons, marking themselves as elite prospects heading into the NFL Draft.
While the parallels between Fashanu and Ferguson are striking, Fashanu is unlikely to assume an immediate starting role in his NFL journey. This arrangement suits the Jets well, as they aim for Fashanu to learn from veterans like Morgan Moses and the esteemed left tackle Tyron Smith, potentially stepping in when needed, especially considering Smith’s injury history.
Ferguson’s remarkable durability, playing 160 consecutive games for the Jets over a decade without missing a snap due to injury, sets a high bar. Should Fashanu come close to emulating Ferguson’s impact for the Jets, it would undoubtedly be a boon for the team and its supporters.
