Jets predicted to receive massive improvement from critical starter in 2025

Bryan Perez

•
Jets predicted to receive massive improvement from critical starter in 2025 image

When the New York Jets selected former Penn State star Olu Fashanu in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the expectation was that he'd develop into a 10-year starter charged with protecting an eventual franchise quarterback's blindside.

And while the Jets are still searching for that franchise quarterback, Fashanu will begin his second season in the league with a ringing endorsement from Pro Football Focus.

PFF predicted Fashanu will be the NFL's most improved offensive tackle this season.

"Fashanu stepped into the starting lineup when Tyron Smith injured his neck, and the long-term plan was for him to take over from the veteran at left tackle – it just happened earlier than anticipated," PFF's Thomas Valentine wrote. "What followed was the natural progression of a rookie playing one of the most difficult positions in football. Fashanu allowed 10 pressures in five games and dropped his pressure rate allowed to 5.5%, which was still in the top-30 for highest rates but was a noticeable improvement. From Week 11 to 16, Fashanu earned a 67.8 grade and often flashed excellent pass-blocking traits."

Pro Football Focus went as far as to say Fashanu could be the NFL's "next great blindside protector.

That's music to Jets fans' ears.

One major factor working in Fashanu's favor this season is Fields, whose escapability can help make up for a bad rep from an offensive lineman. Fields starred as a runner for the Chicago Bears in 2022 when he nearly broke Lamar Jackson's single-season rushing record for a quarterback. The dual-threat QB will help Fashanu get through some early-season growing pains.

Olu Fashanu was one of the most-coveted prospects in the 2024 draft, even with the understanding that he might experience a turbulent ride early in his pro career. He just turned 22 in December, which is the same age or younger than most of the rookies entering the league this season. He's far from a finished product, and if he reaches his ceiling with Gang Green, they won't have to worry about left tackle for quite some time.

MORE NEW YORK JETS COVERAGE:

Bryan Perez

Bryan Perez founded and has operated Bears Talk since 2021. Prior to that, he covered the Bears for USA Today’s Bears Wire and NBC Sports Chicago. In addition to his Chicago Bears coverage, Perez is a respected member of NFL Draft media and was a past winner of The Huddle's Mock Draft competition. Bryan's past life includes time as a Northeast scout for the CFL's Ottawa Redblacks.