Jets' Olu Fashanu 'Almost Unbeatable!'

During the offseason, the New York Jets and general manager Joe Douglas were set on rebuilding the offensive line to protect quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

They signed free-agent left tackle Tyron Smith to protect Rodgers’ blindside. Dallas Cowboys icon Smith, when he’s healthy, is one of the best left tackles in football. ... The key part of that statement being “when he’s healthy.”

Since 2020, Smith has only played in 30 of a possible 66 games due to injury. The All-Pro played in 13 games a season ago being named second-team All-Pro for the third time in his career.

Still, his injury history is worrisome, so the Jets used the No. 11 overall pick to select Penn State’s Olu Fashanu. A four-year starter in college, the former Nittany Lion didn’t surrender a single sack at Penn State.

He has carried that work ethic and power to the pro level, leading the NFL Network’s Brian Baldinger to sing his praises in a social media post on Tuesday.

“When he gets his hands on guys, and he is moving his feet at the same time, he’s almost unbeatable,” Baldinger said . “That’s good, he drops an anchor. You watch him right here, and this is good. Watch him…He likes to get underneath guys, and his legs are so strong.”

Related: Jets, Aaron Rodgers Pleased With 'Tougher' Training Camp

Baldinger also cautioned that his development could take time, but learning behind a guy like Smith is sure to speed that development up.

Fashanu should get plenty of playing time in this week’s preseason finale against the New York Giants. Kickoff is slated for Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. EST.