Draft day deal brings in PSU lineman Fashanu

NEW YORK — After a draft day deal, the Jets added a pass protector with the 11th overall pick.

Minnesota traded pick No. 11, along with the 129th and 157th, in exchange for the Jets’ 10th overall pick and a sixth-rounder (203rd).

After moving back one spot, the Jets selected Penn State tackle Olu Fashanu, which should significantly bolster the team’s offensive line.

“It’s such a unique draft class at the tackle position because, you know, we really felt there were a handful of guys who were unbelievable players,” Jets general manager Joe Douglas said.

“With Olu … what he does in pass protection, very little pressure rates playing in one of the top conferences in the country. He is just a really high-level, high-attack pass protector. He’s a big giant body at 6-6, 315 pounds. He’s a very tough, competitive human being.”

Some draft analysts believed the Jets could draft Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze or Georgia tight end Brock Bowers to aid their passing attack. But the Bears selected Odunze ninth, leading the Jets to trade back one spot with the Vikings and draft one of the nation’s best tackles.

If teams are building an offensive lineman from scratch, Fashanu would be it. At 6-6 312 pounds, Fashanu has strong hands and is an explosive athlete off the line of scrimmage.

Fashanu is extremely strong and has a natural feel for pass protection. He also has the ability to play either tackle spot in the NFL, but the Jets see him as their left tackle of the future.

Analysts have criticized Fashanu’s run blocking during his time with the Nittany Lions. During Penn State’s 24-15 loss to Michigan, Fashanu lost some reps when he was bull-rushed off the line of scrimmage. He then lost his balance, and his mechanics were off, which led to Michigan defenders getting by him.