Olumuyiwa Fashanu – Offensive tackle – 21 years old – Senior – Penn State
Size: 2m
Weight: 141 kilos
Estimated draft position: top 15
NFL Comparison: Tyron Smith (Jets)
Caleb Williams' high school partner, Olu Fashanu is the epitome of an NFL left tackle: tall but nevertheless mobile.
Highlights of Olumuyiwa Fashanu
– Physical attributes
– Young
– Clever
He seems born to play this position. His size, wingspan and athleticism are among the best at this position among the pros. In two seasons as a starter, Olumuyiwa Fashanu has not conceded a single sack.
If he is not technically perfect, his level of play is already sufficient for the NFL. His potential is unlimited because NFL staff love very young players! With their technical sciences, they will be able to help a 21-year-old player progress more easily.
The older college players are, the more they may have developed poor technical habits that will be difficult to rectify. This is how NFL staff think.
Olu Fashanu turned 21 in December 2023, so he is a rough diamond just waiting to be polished to become valuable.
After his remarkable 2022 season, Olumuyiwa Fashanu was heralded as a top 10 pick in the 2023 draft. Not getting intoxicated by the praise or the prospect of making a ton of money, he stayed in college. A choice that the player does not regret, as he declared to 247Sports.
“It was one of the best years of my life! Being with all my guys was great and then I progressed in my role: I understood that I could be a leader so I was a lot more vocal, on the field and in the locker room. »
Although he has gained maturity, Olu Fashanu has also shown some limits in 2023.
Weak points of Olumuyiwa Fashanu
– Center of gravity
– Technical
Lowering your center of gravity when you are two meters tall: easier said than done! In the NFL, attackers arrive at full speed having learned to lean to be more incisive. THE linemen offensive players must therefore also know how to play low on their supports to emerge victorious from this fight.
If Penei Sewell (Lions) is so effective in the NFL, it is because he knows how to anchor himself and then push away his opponents by lowering his center of gravity. It’s also because he uses his hands very well. Olu Fashanu is still irregular in the positioning of his hands: sometimes too high (being swept easily) and/or too outside of his opponent's chest.
Possible destinations
Tennessee Titans, New York Jets, Los Angeles Chargers, New Orleans Saints.
If the giant Joe Alt should be the No. 1 offensive tackle in the 2024 draft, the Titans and their enormous need for left tackle could however be seduced by the potential of the player trained at Penn State.
Because you have to take care of the present with a quarterback like Aaron Rodgers, the Jets signed Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses. But neither of the two 33-year-old players represent the future in this important position. And what if one of these two “grandpas” were to get injured?
Jim Harbaugh has always built his attacks by prioritizing the offensive line. There are three seasons left in San Diego (2004-2006) and three consecutive years the Chargers select an offensive lineman in the draft. Four years in San Francisco and same process! Michigan's offensive line was rewarded with the Joe Moore Award (best Oline NCAA) in 2021 and 2022!
An “old-fashioned” way of doing things but one that has proven itself! So whether the Chargers keep the No. 5 pick or move down, the likelihood of them picking an offensive tackle is very high.
Chosen with the 19th pick of the 2022 draft, Trevor Penning disappoints New Orleans fans. In addition Ryan Ramczyk could miss all or a large part of the 2024 season! Olu Fashanu could therefore come and help Derek Carr with choice 14.
