Penn State entered the 2023 college football season with three potential first-round NFL Draft picks. Although reaching that number might be challenging now, one constant remains: Olu Fashanu, Penn State’s All-American left tackle, is firmly positioned as a top-10 prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft. NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah describes Fashanu as a “plug and play” addition to any NFL offensive line. As the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine approaches, Fashanu is consistently projected in the top half of the first round by various analysts.
ESPN’s Matt Miller considers Fashanu one of only 16 prospects, and one of just three offensive linemen, with a first-round grade. Field Yates, another ESPN analyst, predicts Fashanu to be selected at No. 10 overall by the New York Jets. Mel Kiper Jr. ranks Fashanu as the No. 2 tackle and the No. 9 prospect overall.
During a recent conference call, Daniel Jeremiah expressed doubt that Fashanu would be available when the Jets pick at No. 10, highlighting his impressive attributes. Despite a challenging moment against Ohio State, where Fashanu faced some issues, Jeremiah believes the 6-6, 317-pound tackle possesses the ideal frame and length for success in the NFL. Fashanu’s versatility is emphasized, as he is considered capable of playing both left and right positions on the offensive line.
If Fashanu realizes these projections, he would become Penn State’s highest-drafted offensive lineman since 2007. In that year, the Arizona Cardinals selected Levi Brown at No. 5 overall. Fashanu, Penn State’s 41st consensus All-American, has garnered multiple accolades, including first-team recognition from various organizations. Notably, he allowed just one sack in over 680 pass-protection snaps over the past two seasons. Fashanu, a team captain and a finalist for the Campbell Trophy, is among the ten Penn State players set to attend the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, with offensive linemen scheduled to work out on March 3.