At the end of the 2022 college football season, many expected Olu Fashanu to head to the NFL. Regarded as one of the top offensive tackles in last year’s class, he made the surprising decision to remain with Penn State for one more season. Now, though, he is prepared to turn pro.
The redshirt junior announced on Friday that he has declared for the 2024 draft. Fashanu again finds himself in the conversation for the top offensive lineman (tackle or otherwise) available, and he will not need to wait long to hear his name called. He joins Notre Dame’s Joe Alt in turning pro this spring, and the pair will be in competition to be the first O-lineman taken off the board.
“A year ago I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to declare for the NFL draft,” Fashanu’s announcement reads in part. “I am forever grateful that I made the decision to come back and compete with my brothers one last time while also graduating.”
2022 marked the first full season as a starter for Fashanu, and he put himself firmly on the top-10 radar by earning All-American honors. After electing to remain in college for one more season, the 6-6, 313-pounder was again an anchor for the Nittany Lions up front, allowing just one sack in pass protection. Despite having been in school for four years, Fashanu will be just 21 through most of his rookie campaign in the NFL.
Given that, he profiles has having high upside along with an encouraging blend of size, athleticism and footwork. Fashanu is listed as a top-10 prospect in many draft rankings, and ESPN’s Matt Miller has him being selected fifth overall by Washington in his latest mock. The Commanders are one of several teams projected to be near the top of the order which will be on the lookout for a new left tackle (or at least offensive line help) this offseason. Fashanu will likely have the opportunity to serve as a starter right away once he begins his NFL career in September.
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