Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu is one of the elite prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. Protecting the quarterback with desired consistency was a league-wide problem for most NFL offenses throughout the 2023 season. The teams that are still contending for a Super Bowl all protect their quarterback with outstanding success. That’s going to make Fashanu a top-10 overall selection in April.
Fashanu possesses the physical tools and athleticism necessary to become a dominant pass-protecting left tackle at the next level. Rare lateral agility should allow Fashanu to mirror premium edge rushers even as a rookie. Fashanu is extremely light on his feet with rare movement skills. With that in mind, we've identified three potential landing spots for Fashanu in the 2024 NFL Draft.
ARIZONA CARDINALS
If Marvin Harrison Jr. isn't available when the Arizona Cardinals come on the clock with the No. 4 overall selection, I believe general manager Monti Ossenfort will turn his attention to an offensive lineman like Fashanu or Joe Alt. Ossenfort made rebuilding the Cardinals' offensive line a priority throughout his first offseason. He drafted Paris Johnson Jr. in the top 10 and played him at right tackle.
The Cardinals have committed to franchise quarterback Kyler Murray. Upgrading his supporting cast now takes center stage. Current starting left tackle Kelvin Beachum is scheduled to enter his age-35 season and is a potential cap casualty. Drafting Fashanu and pairing him with Johnson Jr. not only gives the Cardinals a succession plan, but it also gives them one of the most exciting, ascending bookend duos in all of professional football.
TENNESSEE TITANS
The Titans officially introduced former Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan as their new head coach on Thursday. Callahan is an offensive-minded leader who's been hired to oversee Will Levis' development. Together through collaboration, Callahan and Titans general manager Ran Carthon are going to rebuild the offensive line.
Starting left tackle Andre Dillard is expected to be released from his contract after failing to meet expectations in 2023. The Titans had the worst offensive line play in the league, and were particularly terrible at left tackle, cycling through multiple blindside options ranging from Dillard to sixth-round rookie Jaelyn Duncan.
Callahan is expected to install his variation of the Sean McVay/Kyle Shanahan offense, one his dad Bill Callahan helped make popular years ago. Fashanu is a great fit for wide-zone concepts.
NEW YORK JETS
The 2023 campaign was a completely wasted season for the Jets. Excitement was at an all-time high as the East Rutherford faithful expected to contend for a Super Bowl following Aaron Rodgers' acquisition. It all came crashing down when Rodgers suffered a season-ending Achilles injury mere moments into Week 1.
General manager Joe Douglas is going to spend the offseason ensuring Rodgers has every on-field resource at his disposal to make the Jets Super Bowl contenders in 2024. The win-now window is shrinking by the season. Mekhi Becton, Duane Brown, and Billy Turner are scheduled to reach free agency, and none of them should be retained as a starting left tackle. Significantly upgrading Rodgers' protection could start with drafting Fashanu at 10th overall.
