New York Jets chose Olu Fashanu, from Penn State, as the 11th pick in the NFL draft on Thursday. He is an offensive tackle who will have a chance to protect Aaron Rodgers.
Fashanu, a 6-6, 312-pound player from Penn State, was chosen by the New York Jets. He is the highest overall pick for the Nittany Lions since 2018. The last time a Penn State offensive lineman was picked in the first round was in 2007 when Levi Brown was selected by the Arizona Cardinals.
Fashanu credited Penn State for preparing him both on and off the field as a better man and football player than when he first joined the university four years ago. He expressed his gratitude in a statement released by the university.
Later on Thursday, the Miami Dolphins picked Penn State defensive end Chop Robinson as the 21st draft pick.
Robinson and Fashanu are the first Penn State teammates to be selected in the first round since 2021. They are the fifth and sixth first-round picks for Penn State since 2018.
This is the 10th time that Penn State has had at least two players picked in the first round.
Originally, the Jets had the 10th pick in the draft but traded places with the Minnesota Vikings for extra picks. Fashanu is the first Penn State player to be chosen by the New York Jets since 2016.
Lions coach James Franklin praised Fashanu, expressing happiness for him and his family while highlighting his love for the game, dedication, and hard work that will continue to stand out in his professional career with the New York Jets.
Fashanu, the 2023 Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year and a consensus All-American, is the fourth Penn State offensive tackle to be taken in the first round. He is also the seventh offensive lineman to be drafted since Franklin became coach in 2014.
He managed to avoid allowing a sack in 646 pass-blocking snaps over the last two seasons with the Lions.
“Olu is prepared for this new chapter with the New York Jets,” stated offensive line coach Phil Trautwein. He commended Fashanu for his determination to be great and professional approach on and off the field.
“He was always an exceptional role model for everyone in our offensive line room and for the rest of his teammates. He comes from a great family and will bring a high level of character to the Jets,” Trautwein added.
Robinson, who is 6-3 and 254 pounds, was an All-Big Ten first-team pick and played at Penn State for two seasons after transferring from Maryland.
He became the seventh Lions defensive end to be picked in the first round and the seventh defensive end to be drafted since Franklin became coach. He is the first Penn State player selected by Miami since 2018.
His stock was high because of his impressive speed. He only got four sacks last season, but he played a big role in Penn State leading the nation with 49 sacks because of the pressure he caused.
He completed a 40-yard dash in 4.48 seconds at the NFL scouting combine, one of the fastest times ever recorded by a defensive lineman. He also had a broad jump of 10 feet, 8 inches, which helped him achieve the third-best overall athleticism score by a defensive lineman this year.
“Congratulations, Chop, the Miami Dolphins are fortunate to have you!” Franklin said. “You’ve earned this opportunity. We appreciate what you’ve given to Penn State. Keep competing and pursuing your dreams.”
