Key Takeaways:
– Jets’ rookie Olu Fashanu impresses in training despite criticism for his draft position.
– Head coach Robert Saleh admires Fashanu’s intent, technique and commitment.
– The New York Jets plan to keep Fashanu exclusively at left tackle.
– Learning from past experiences, the team hopes to minimize injury risk by not changing players’ positions.
Promising Performance by Rookie Olu Fashanu
Despite facing criticism for selecting Olu Fashanu in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft, the New York Jets are keen on nurturing the former Penn State offensive lineman’s talent. Fashanu’s consistent impressive performance in practice is turning heads and silencing critics.
In a media briefing on June 12, Jets’ head coach, Robert Saleh praised Fashanu extensively. He highlighted the young player’s technical skills and determination to enhance his gaming prowess. According to Saleh, Fashanu’s deliberate game approach is commendable, and his recent performance resonates with his pre-draft evaluation.
Maintaining Positions Minimizes Injury Risks
In response to speculation about Fashanu’s position, Saleh confirmed that he would remain at left tackle, Fashanu’s college level position. The Jets have learned from the past, and aim to minimize unnecessary injuries by maintaining player’s positions, instead of shuffling them around. This approach was solidified following Alijah Vera-Tucker’s successive season-ending injuries after constant positional changes.
Competing with Giants at the Trenches
The Jets also signed five-time All-Pro Tyron Smith during the offseason, enhancing their strength at the left tackle position. Smith, one of the greatest left tackles, still performs at an incredibly high level at 33 years. However, this development led to speculation about whether the Jets would move Fashanu to other positions to expedite his progress. Despite outside pressure, the Jets remain firm in keeping Fashanu in his original draft position.
Challenges Ahead and Team’s Perspective
For a team wanting to secure victories in 2024, critics viewed the drafting of Fashanu who isn’t quite ready to take over from Smith as short-sighted. Yet, the Jets maintain their focus on nurturing Fashanu’s talent. Rather than throwing him in for a possible right tackle competition with Morgan Moses or competing at guard, the Jets stand by their strategic positioning.
Learning from the Past
Looking back to 2021, the Jets selected USC prodigy Alijah Vera-Tucker after a remarkable rookie campaign. However, constant positional changes led to multiple injuries, hampering his performance. By keeping Fashanu at left tackle, the Jets hope to prevent history from repeating itself.
New Approach to Tackle Reserves
Saleh revealed that instead of having a traditional swing tackle, the Jets would create a healthy competition for the top right tackle reserve position. This approach involves keeping Fashanu as a top left tackle reserve while players like Carter Warren and Max Mitchell vie for the right tackle spot. This tactic aims to ensure the Jets are adequately fortified at both tackle positions.
In conclusion, despite initial skepticism at Fashanu’s selection, the Jets’ faith in this rookie is unending. The team is eager to see how his dedication and prowess translate into his NFL performance in the upcoming training camp. Through careful nurturing and clever positioning, the Jets hope to groom a new generation of formidable players in the NFL.