Jets trade down a spot and then take Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu at No. 11 in NFL draft
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — The New York Jets went with protection over a pass catcher with their first-round pick in the NFL draft.
Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu was selected at No. 11 overall by New York after the Jets traded down one spot Thursday night.
“I’m just excited about Olu,” general manager Joe Douglas said. “A proven pass protector, left tackle. I feel like he can really develop and become an impact player for us moving forward.”
The pick came after the Jets dealt the No. 10 overall selection to the Minnesota Vikings — who took Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy. New York also sent a sixth-rounder (No. 203) to Minnesota, which traded No. 11 overall along with a fourth-rounder (No. 129) and a fifth-rounder (No. 157) to the Jets.
There was some buzz leading up to the draft that New York could go with Georgia tight end Brock Bowers or try to get one of the top wide receivers. But the selection of the 6-foot-6, 312-pound Fashanu gives the Jets depth on their revamped offensive line, added protection for quarterback Aaron Rodgers and a potential future starter.