What To Expect From Olu Fashanu In Jets Rookie's First Start At Left Tackle

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nick Faria | Last updated Nov 15, 2024 4:07 PM ET

Tyron Smith is an All-Pro left tackle and one of the best at his position over the last decade. The now- New York Jets tackle may be seeing his career end disappointingly.

Smith has been battling a neck injury that will force him to miss Sunday's contest between the Jets and the Indianapolis Colts. While head coach Jeff Ulbrich opened the door for Smith to potentially go on injured reserve, it may not matter in the end.

That's because first-round rookie tackle Olu Fashanu is gearing up for his first start with the Jets at his natural tackle position.

The Penn State product has made starts at both right tackle and guard this season due to the rash of injuries suffered by Jets players during the year but now will fill the role New York is hoping he excels at for the next decade.

It's something that Fashanu has prepared for since he was drafted by the team in April.

"I try to not make anything bigger than it actually is, but I'm not going to be ignorant," Fashanu said Friday. "Obviously, that's the position I played in college & HS, so it's definitely nice to go out & get the start & be with all the guys."

Fashanu has had months to prepare for this moment. It should also come as a comfort that his first start will be against a good but not great pass rush of the Colts.

Indianapolis is 20th in the league in sacks this season. No player on the roster has recorded more than 3.5 sacks to this point in the year. Kwity Paye and first-round rookie Laiatu Latu are just a few of the players Fashanu could be going up against.

With Smith expected to look on, now is the perfect time for Fashanu to start getting his game reps in during a lost season.

If he plays well enough, Smith may never play in an NFL game again.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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