Olu Fashanu's offseason transformation could fix biggest weakness

The New York Jets hit the practice field for the first time this summer to kick off training camp on Wednesday afternoon. It officially marked the beginning of year two for Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey.

Of the many takeaways on and off the field from Wednesday's practice, Olu Fashanu's size transformation stood out. Badlands' Will Parkinson noted that Fashanu appeared to have "gained a ton of muscle," while also noting that he looks "massive."

The Jets' offensive line enters the 2026 season as one of the strongest position groups on the team, and Fashanu is one of the key pieces slotting in as a bookend tackle opposite Armand Membou.

One area, though, that Fashanu could use improvement in is run blocking, which the third-year left tackle putting on more muscle could be exactly what leads him to that improvement.

Olu Fashanu's offseason transformation could lead to a breakout year

After being selected eleventh overall in 2024, Fashanu saw time at right tackle and right guard during his rookie season before fully settling into left tackle at the end of 2024 and all of 2025. Like in college, Fashanu has been excellent as a pass protector.

In 2025, the Penn State product finished the season with a 74.5 Pro Football Focus pass-blocking grade and a 96.3 pass-block efficiency. Fashanu also posted a 69.2 overall grade across 17 games started.

Similar to his rookie campaign, as the year went on, Fashanu got better. From Weeks 8-18 last season, Fashanu posted a 79.8 pass-blocking grade and a 73.1 overall grade, both ranking inside the top 15 among 36 qualified left tackles during that stretch.

The former first-round pick also tallied a 4.9% pressure rate against and a 97.1 pass block efficiency, both of which ranked inside the top ten among 36 qualified left tackles during that time. Simply put, the pass blocking was on full display.

The next step for Fashanu as he enters year three is to improve his run blocking. During his rookie campaign, the 23-year-old posted a 61.4 run blocking grade (52/81 qualified tackles) and followed that up with a 57.1 run blocking grade (65/89 qualified tackles) in 2025.

Entering camp seemingly with more size and muscle could prove to be crucial for Fashanu moving forward. Becoming more physical and stronger in the run game can take his game to another level.

Since taking over the reins as head coach, Aaron Glenn has consistently preached the importance of physicality. Fashanu becoming a mauler in the run game, along with the other pieces on the offensive line, will only help raise the potential for himself and the Jets as a team in 2026.

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