Jets Rookie Fashanu Switches Positions, Shines vs. Panthers

One of the biggest reasons why offensive tackles fail when transitioning to the NFL is because they are asked to switch positions. Without proper technique and experience, teams take an ill-advised leap of faith and hope that the already difficult jump isn’t made impossible by the pivot.

Other prospects, though, can handle it with ease. Backed by elite athleticism and strong fundamentals, certain linemen have inherent versatility in their profile.

New York Jets first-round left tackle Olu Fashanu is among those in the latter category. In other words, he’s special.

After standing out in his professional debut against the Washington Commanders, dominating in pass protection on the blindside, the Jets set the bar higher: Do the same at right tackle.

Fashanu took the challenge head on and looked the part on the right side in New York’s 15-12 win over the Carolina Panthers. It wasn’t without its bumps, but he showcased competence and flashes of the same tools that made him special on the other side. Fashanu was routinely strong in pass protection, and while he was called for a (debatable) hold, he held his own in the ground game .

After the game, he spoke about his first time at right tackle.

“[Have never] played at right tackle before in an actual game,” Fashanu said . “So it felt really good just getting game reps. It’s just gonna help me in the long run in my career, just being versatile, being able to play multiple positions. So it’s good.”

“It definitely is an adjustment from always playing left tackle to transition to right tackle, and I definitely had my fair share of reps that I have to work on,” he said. “But I think I’m in a good spot right now and I just need to keep getting better.”

Saturday was a small sample, sure, but it’s hard not to feel confident in Fashanu’s development. He’s still on track to be the franchise left tackle although New York now has options in front of it. If Morgan Moses goes down, Fashanu seems awfully capable of stepping in. If the Jets get to the offseason in need of another young tackle, and a prospect bound to the left side is within grasp, Fashanu may be able to make his slide permanent.

Related: Which Edge Rusher Has Stood Out The Most in Jets' Preseason?

That speculation is way too far away to matter. That shouldn’t diminish the excitement fans felt watching their backup tackle play in the preseason.

Fashanu was quick to give credit to his teammates for his fast start.

“Thankfully I’m in such a great room where I have guys like AVT (Alijah Vera-Tucker) and Morgan who are behind me all the time, just always giving me advice, helping me out with anything I need,” Fashanu said . “So it’s been a good process.”