Penn State’s Olu Fashanu will be one of the first offensive tackles selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. While Joe Alt is in a class of his own, Fashanu is widely considered to be the best of the Tier 2 tackle prospects, with most analysts expecting him to be a top-15 pick.
The New Orleans Saints currently have the 14th pick in the NFL Draft and could easily select Olu Fashanu. With Trevor Penning showing nothing and Ryan Ramczyk’s future in doubt, this team must find a way to protect Derek Carr in 2024. According to Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post, the Saints have been “repeatedly linked” to the tackle by sources around the league.
La Canfora: Olu Fashanu “Linked” To New Orleans Saints In Draft Rumors
This report shouldn’t come as a surprise, as New Orleans needs to draft a tackle, and Olu Fashanu is likely to be one of the best players on the board when the Saints are on the clock. Assuming Ryan Ramczyk cannot play, the Saints might just have the worst tackle situation in football.
This would be bad for any team, but it’s especially bad when Derek Carr is your quarterback. The longtime Raider is one of the worst passers in the league when under pressure, and opposing edge defenders will frequently get after him if the team doesn’t draft someone like Olu Fashanu.
While the Saints would love to draft Olu Fashanu, he might not be on the board when they’re on the clock. Several teams need more help at the position, and New Orleans might not be willing to trade up. After all, they only have two picks in the first four rounds. Some other team could select the Penn State product, forcing New Orleans to settle for a prospect like Taliese Fuaga.
Other Potential Fits
Las Vegas Raiders
Currently holding the 13th pick in the NFL Draft, the Las Vegas Raiders could select Olu Fashanu just before New Orleans is on the board. While this team needs a quarterback, they don’t have a realistic path to any of the top four prospects at the position. Instead of reaching for Michael Penix, Vegas should build a better environment for Aidan O’Connell and whoever they select in the second round.
New York Jets
Tyron Smith is a reliable short-term answer at left tackle, but the former first-round pick has an extensive injury history and isn’t exactly a spring chicken. Aaron Rodgers is coming off a serious injury and historically likes to hold onto the ball and extend plays. This type of quarterbacking demands strong protection, so the team should consider selecting Olu Fashanu in the NFL Draft.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers will not draft Olu Fashanu with the fifth-overall pick. However, if they trade back with the Minnesota Vikings, they could select the Penn State product with the 11th-overall pick. Los Angeles wants to build a strong team that can win in the trenches, and Fashanu would be a natural fit for this style of play.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans have done a remarkable job of surrounding Will Levis with NFL-caliber talent. Now, they just need to find a left tackle. While Joe Alt is the preferred draft option, Olu Fashanu is a fine Plan B. With an improved offensive line and weapons, Levis will have a proper opportunity to prove himself as a franchise quarterback.
Main Photo: Dan Rainville – USA Today Sports
