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In a move that has left Aaron Rodgers nodding in approval, the New York Jets made a strategic decision in the 2024 NFL Draft to prioritize the protection of their quarterback. A year after the Jets' quarterback's season was cut short due to a torn Achilles, the team's general manager, Joe Douglas, made a bold move by drafting offensive tackle Olu Fashanu from Penn State.
Rodgers, speaking on "The Pat McAfee Show," expressed his satisfaction with the Jets' draft pick and their decision to trade back in the draft. He commended the team's efforts to address the offensive line, stating:
"We already made three moves in the offseason [to address the offensive line] with bringing John [Simpson] to play guard, Morgan [Moses] to play tackle and Tyron [Smith] to play tackle as well, so it wasn't necessarily at the top of the needs. But I know they really loved Olu."
The Jets' decision to trade back and acquire additional picks also received praise from Rodgers. He remarked: "I love what Joe did, moving back and getting a couple more picks." This strategic move allowed the Jets to not only secure Fashanu but also obtain additional assets in the form of a fourth-round pick and a fifth-rounder.
Fashanu's College record gets Rodgers' thumbs up
Highlighting Fashanu's prowess on the field, Rodgers emphasized, "He didn't give up a sack, I don't think, in his entire college career. Which is saying a lot, because you're going against great schools in the Big Ten like Wisconsin, and every now and then Iowa." Rodgers also expressed his confidence in the team's skill group and their enthusiasm for the selected receivers.
Describing Fashanu as a formidable player, Rodgers praised his impressive career at Penn State and projected that he may not need to immediately step into a starting role at tackle. He added, "Olu is a mauler. He had an incredible career at Penn State. He's not gonna need to jump in right away, at tackle, for sure. We'll see if we work him in at guard."
The Jets' bold move to prioritize their offensive line and secure Fashanu has garnered approval from one of the NFL's most respected quarterbacks. With Rodgers' endorsement and confidence in the team's draft strategy, the Jets appear to have made a significant step towards fortifying their roster for the upcoming season.