While waiting for the post-season draft sheets, the editorial staff of DNA of Sports offers you a spotlight on the future nuggets who will join the NFL in 2023.
Olumuyiwa Fashanu
Born in December 2003 in Waldorf, Maryland
1m98 for 140 kilos
Offensive tackle, Penn State, sophomore redshirt
Young and very talented, Olu Fashanu could become the fashionable name as the 2023 draft approaches: if he shows up. It takes three years after high school to be able to do that and Olu Fashanu has them. But only in his first season as a starter, he could decide to gain more experience before joining the pros.
But he could also capitalize, during the 2023 draft, on an already high floor and a sky-high ceiling.
If I were a quality: athletic
To occupy this position in the NFL, you must be able to move with agility, to follow the felines that come to overflow such as Von Miller, TJ Watt or Brian Burns. To restrain these panthers, Olumu Fashanu is a kind of bear: powerful and yet mobile.
Move in a backward arc to contain or move forward to hit a linebacker in a running situation, he knows how to do both. Dancing Bear is an expression by NFL scouts to qualify linemen with great athleticism. A nickname that goes well with Olu Fashanu.
If I were a flaw: technique to refine
Being imposing and athletic is not enough in the NFL! You have to have these two attributes but if it seems above all “physical” to detractors, this sport is above all technical. Correctly aligning your body so as not to “open the door” to the defender or how to position your hands are two fundamental points for winning duels.
If he has to gain experience in matches, Olu Fashanu already acquires it in training. His position coach played in the NFL, briefly, and brings him this requirement of the highest level. His partners too: Chop Robinson and Adisa Isaac are two of the best defensive ends in the NCAA and the young Dani Dennis-Sutton is a potential superstar! Three players with a future in the NFL: every day Olumu Fashanu therefore puts himself to the test against the best and this allows him to progress.
If I were a stat: zero
For the last match of 2021, Rasheed Walker (Packers) decided not to play to devote himself to preparing for the draft. First tenure for Olu Fashanu during the bowl game against Arkansas: no pressure conceded or penalty!
Installed on the left side of the line in 2022, he starts with 6 games where he does not concede any sack! Only 6 pressures conceded (none hit). And still no penalty! However, he had to face attackers such as Derick Hall (Auburn), Mike Morris (Michigan) or Thomas Incoom (Central Michigan).
If I was a bonus: White Out
In 2021, Penn State University played 7 home games with an average of 106,799 spectators! 300 kilometers away, the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL would like to have as much success (69,796 average in 2021). And every year, spectators come to the stadium dressed in white for a match: White Out. This was the case this Saturday, October 22 against Minnesota.
And this is GORGEOUS! (see end of article)
If I Was an NFL Player: Tyron Smith (Cowboys)
If his body seems to let go at the end of his career, Tyron Smith has long been a reference in the NFL: only 9 sacks conceded between 2017 and 2019 (41 games). His very athletic profile when he left USC in 2011 is necessarily a reference for Olumuyiwa Fashanu.
If I was a draft pick: 5-20
Olumu Fashanu ticks too many boxes to escape the 1st round: he plays a premium position, he is athletic and he is very young. Pushed to its climax during the NBA draft, NFL evaluators also consider very young players, not yet ready but with high potential. If he presented himself in the draft, he would then be at the start of the 2023 season, an NFL rookie of only 20 years old!
Playing his first season as a starter, he could decide to stay at the university level for another year. University players who have not completed their studies have until January 20, 2023 to declare their intentions.
If I were an NFL team: Pittsburgh Steelers
In danger with all the Oweh, Garrett and Hendrickson of the AFC North division, the Steelers must improve the protection of Kenny Pickett. If Chukwuma Okorafor is finally playing like an NFL starter, young Dan Moore has a harder time. If he is an element to keep because of the room for improvement linked to his age, adding a tackle with much higher potential would be a good idea.
In full reconstruction after years rather victorious, the Steelers must rebuild their team. A Pickett-Fashanu-Harris-Pickens offensive quartet might give fans cause for optimism.
There’s 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 like it.
Can’t wait for our new Nittany Lions to experience running outta the tunnel to #107kStrong for the first time. 🔵⚪️#WeAre pic.twitter.com/E4DCvYhXxd
— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) December 17, 2021
