NY Jets finding standout LT in Olu Fashanu is cruel irony for Joe Douglas

The NY Jets haven't had a quality offensive line for most of the last half-decade, which was one of the bigger issues that permeated his entire tenure. However, the early returns on Olu Fashanu could help get things turned around fairly quickly.

In a cruel twist of irony, recently fired ex-GM Douglas, who burned the No. 11 pick on Mekhi Becton in 2020 and never built a quality offensive line before 2024, may have finally landed the Jets left tackle of the future after a strong showing against the Seattle Seahawks.

Fashanu did not allow a single pressure in 42 pass-blocking snaps back in his natural left tackle position. When back at left tackle for an injured Tyron Smith, Fashanu has played so well that he looked like a bellwether lineman this team has been searching for these past few years.

When Fashanu is lined up at left tackle, the only qualified player to allow pressures at a lower rate is Buccaneers All-Pro Tristan Wirfs. While Fashanu hasn't played elite pass-rushing competition, his play has to be very encouraging for a beat-up Jets fanbase.

Olu Fashanu impressing is cruel irony for fired Jets GM Joe Douglas

Fashanu, who was considered arguably the best offensive tackle in the 2024 class alongside Chargers tackle Joe Alt, allowed just one sack during his final two seasons with the Nittany Lions. While drafted to be a left tackle, injuries forced Fashanu to take snaps at right tackle and even right guard.

The Fashanu pick is always going to be scrutinized because of Raiders tight end Brock Bowers, who was picked No. 13 overall after months of rumors linking the Jets to the former Georgia star, putting up All-Pro numbers as a rookie. There's a chance the Jets found themselves in another Ken O'Brien over Dan Marino situation, passing on an elite player for a very good one.

Fashanu is doing everything in his power to flip the narrative. With the Jets likely ready to move off Aaron Rodgers ahead of the 2025 season, whomever they end up with under center will be glad to have a high-end pass-blocking left tackle.

The Jets have a few foundational pieces they can use to get back on the right track in 2025. Douglas won't be around to see it, but he appears to have knocked it out of the park by bringing Fashanu to town in his final draft.

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