Primary Content
Reader Content
General Content
Tweets
 |
By Charlie Campbell
2023 Season Outlook: Penn State has a traditional Big Ten schedule that will offer a number of easy opponents and some tough challenges when Fashanu goes against Iowa on Sept. 23, Ohio State on Oct. 21 and Michigan on Nov. 11.
Skill-Set Summary: Offensive tackle is one of the premium positions in the NFL, particularly left tackle, as that player protects the blind side of most franchise quarterbacks. Given the passing-driven nature of the modern game, there are always teams looking to acquire offensive tackle help, so Fashanu should have plenty of teams hoping to land in him in the 2024 NFL Draft.
As a pass blocker, Fashanu has an excellent skill set to be an edge protector. He is a big offensive lineman who has very good length and strength to entangle defensive linemen. When Fashanu gets his hands into a defender, they are pretty much done because he shows a superb ability to sustain his blocks. Fashanu uses his long arms and powerful upper body to keep his assignment from breaking free. His natural power and size leads to a strong base that will negate bull rushes as well. After sinking his weight, Fashanu holds his ground and does not get driven backward into the quarterback.
Beyond his size and strength, Fashanu has good quickness and athleticism. He fires out of his stance, showing quick feet to get depth in his drop to cut off the corner from speed rushes. Fashanu is agile on the edge and is able to redirect when rushers try to cut to the inside. With his overall skill set, Fashanu should be a good pass protector in the NFL, especially after receiving pro coaching.
In the ground game, Fashanu is not a finesse left tackle who merely ties up defenders. He can create a really push at the point of attack, where he uses his power, thick upper body, and leverage to knock defenders off the ball. Not only can Fashanu push around defensive ends, but he is impressive when taking on defensive tackles one-on-one in the ground game. As a pro, Fashanu should be an asset as a run-blocking left tackle who can also be a good contributor in short-yardage situations.
Like all college players, Fashanu has points of improvement for the NFL, but he has also plenty of upside to achieve. Sometimes, Fashanu can overextend and lunge after defenders. That leads to issues with balance and letting defenders get free of him. Occasionally, Fashanu will stop moving his feet, which leads to the lunging, and he will be more effective in the pros after he irons out some technique. Considering his skill set, upside, and that Fashanu was only in his first year as a starter in 2022, he should get better over the next few years thanks to further experience and development.
Fashanu has the potential to be a franchise left tackle and should become a quality starter early in his NFL career.
2024 NFL Draft Expectations: Entering the 2023 season, Fashanu looks like he has a strong likelihood of grading out as a first-round pick for the 2024 NFL Draft.
RELATED LINKS:
2024 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s
2024 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2024 NFL Draft Player Previews
Fantasy Football Rankings - Aug. 9
2024 NFL Mock Draft - July 25
NFL Power Rankings - June 2
NFL Picks - Feb. 14
