Early expectations for Foley Fatukasi

The New York Jets added a utility kind of player in Round 6 of the 2018 NFL Draft when they selected defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi out of UConn. Early expectations are good for everything he’ll bring to the table this upcoming season.

When the New York Jets selected defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi out of UConn, they are bringing in a player that has quite the impressive resume. Fatukasi made a name for himself in college as a defensive player who was a tackling machine and loved making his presence known early and often on the gridiron.

Fatukasi is 6-4 and 318lbs. of pure strength, speed, and has a tenacity at taking down anyone holding the football. His versatility on the defensive line is what makes him a unique draft pick here by general manager Mike Maccagnan.

It’s no secret that the Jets overall pass rush is lacking and last season, they also had a lot of problems in stopping the run. Fatukasi can help address this issue once he gets eased into a rotation on the Jets defensive line.

More from The Jet Press

• NY Jets should target TE Hunter Henry in free agency
• NY Jets: Why the team should target cornerback Shaquill Griffin
• NY Jets reportedly non-tendering linebacker Harvey Langi
• NY Jets: Why the team should not cut Jamison Crowder
• NY Jets should try to sign Kenny Golladay in free agency

Considering that Fatukasi has experience as a defensive tackle and defensive end, makes him a great plug-and-play athlete the Jets can use in multiple ways. Of course, he’ll need some time to develop but expectations are very good in that Fatukasi will likely see time in the starting lineup sooner rather than later.

While it’s likely he won’t win a starting spot once training camp is in the books this summer, expect to see him earn one on special teams where he’ll get opportunities to take down opposing kickoff and punt returners. Once he gets used to life in the NFL, he’ll definitely get some opportunities to do what he does best during regular season games on defense.

Overall, Fatukasi will likely be a player to keep an eye on all summer long and especially once his number is called at some point this upcoming season. At UConn, Fatukasi ended his collegiate career with 168 tackles and 14 sacks.