The competition to be the first non-quarterback off the board is fierce. The biggest name to watch is Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu
Olu Fashanu NFL Draft Overview
Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu had an opportunity to be a first-round pick after just one season of college football. Fashanu’s first start came in a bowl game after the 2021 season. Fashanu started a full season in 2022 and he was absolutely dominant. The mammoth left tackle was a lock to be selected in the top ten of the 2023 NFL Draft but ultimately chose to stay in school and get his degree. Fashanu stayed for the 2023 season as Penn State was poised to take another leap. He would have plenty of opportunities to show how elite he is with matchups against Ohio State and Michigan.
Penn State OT Olu Fashanu played his most complete game of the season vs. Michigan. Outstanding day as a run blocker. pic.twitter.com/n7uNm0pwVk
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) November 13, 2023
In 2023, Fashanu was even better. He has excellent size and strength and is also a fantastic athlete for his size. He is a road grader in the run game who has substantial polish in pass protection. Fashanu may be one of the smartest tackles in recent draft history and is almost surely destined for a long and fruitful NFL career. Fashanu has the talent to be a Pro-Bowler and All-Pro caliber player very early in his career. The Detroit Lions have gotten elite tackle play for the last three seasons out of Penei Sewell. A team that selects Fashanu can hope to see that same type of impact almost immediately.
Position: Offensive Tackle
Height: 6’6” (Unofficial)
Weight: 317 pounds (Unofficial)
School: Penn State
Olu Fashanu 2024 NFL profile
Strengths
- Ideal size and length for the position and looks like an NFL player at 21
- Can move well for a 320-pounder
- Great finisher, routinely planting guys into the Earth
- Impactful blocker with great strike power
- Was an elite player at 20 years old
- Plays with great balance and footwork in pass protection
Olu Fashanu (#74) with tight hands, bend, drive and finish in the run game. pic.twitter.com/OIfLglSioQ
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) December 27, 2023
Weaknesses
- Can be more technically sound in pass protection
- Movement skills are fine, but, limited
- Hand placement is sloppy at times
- General cleanups are needed, not a finished product
NFL Comparison: Terron Armstead
Projection: Top 5 Pick
Best Fits: Washington Commanders, Arizona Cardinals
Bottom Line on Olu Fashanu
There is likely no better offensive tackle in the 2024 NFL Draft than Olu Fashanu. The Penn State product is a great blend of size and power. Fashanu is a road-grading run blocker who will only grow as a pass blocker. Fashanu was the best offensive tackle in the country for the last two seasons. His only competition to being the first offensive tackle taken in the draft is Notre Dame’s Joe Alt. Had Fashanu come out for the 2023 NFL Draft, he would have been a top-five pick and undisputed first offensive tackle off the board.
There is no better consolation prize for a five-win season than Olu Fashanu. A team like the Arizona Cardinals should run to the podium to select him. There have been so many quarterback injuries in 2023 and there will likely be a concerted effort from several teams to further protect their quarterbacks. A team in the top five will select Olu Fashanu. That team will have changed the trajectory of their franchise. A great offensive tackle can change your offense and there are certainly some teams in the top ten who need some saving.
Main Photo: [Dan Rainville] – USA Today Sports
