Not only is Olu Fashanu adjusting to life in the NFL, but the New York Jets rookie is also learning a new position. There is some promise here, so says NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger.
Fashanu, a first-round pick of the Jets, was a standout left tackle at Penn State and a multi-year All-Big Ten selection. On Saturday night, Fashanu played right tackle for the Jets in their preseason win at the Carolina Panthers.
For Baldinger, a former standout NFL offensive lineman who does outstanding work for the NFL Network as an analyst, there are some good building blocks here.
In a social media post on Tuesday, Baldinger highlighted some of the areas of development needed for Fashanu from Saturday’s preseason game. But, there were some significant signs of the Jets top draft pick getting it.
“When he gets his hands on guys, and he is moving his feet at the same time, he’s almost unbeatable,” Baldinger said.
“That’s good, he drops an anchor. You watch him right here, and this is good. Watch him…He likes to get underneath guys, and his legs are so strong.”
Baldinger cautioned that it will take time. Two years ago, he said that Tristan Wirfs was an All-Pro at right tackle for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He moved to left tackle last year and “He said it took him 10 games until he started feeling comfortable.”
[lawrence-related id=695810,695806,695803]
.@nyjets @olu_fashanu to all of you right handed people out there; have you ever tried to eat with your LEFT hand? How did it go? Thats the challenge for Olu going from a career LT to playing RT. IT TAKES TIME before you feel super confident #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/Z8GuugnrTQ
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) August 21, 2024
Wirfs was an All-Pro selection in 2021 and 2022. He was named to the Pro Bowl last year for the third time in his career.