Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu will get a chance to protect Aaron Rodgers after the New York Jets selected him with the 11th pick in the NFL draft Thursday night.
The 6-6, 312-pound Fashanu was the Nittany Lions’ highest overall pick since the New York Giants took running back Saquon Barkley at No. 2 in the 2018 draft. He became the first Penn State offensive lineman to be taken in the first round since Levi Brown went to the Arizona Cardinals with the fifth pick in 2007.
“Penn State prepared me in so many ways on and off the field,” Fashanu said in a statement released by the university. “Just being a better man and a better football player than what I was when I stepped into Penn State four years ago. I give them all the credit in the world.”
Later Thursday night, the Miami Dolphins selected Penn State defensive end Chop Robinson with the 21st pick.
Robinson and Fashanu became the first pair of Lions teammates to be taken in the first round since Micah Parsons (12th pick, Dallas) and Odafe Oweh (31st pick, Baltimore) in 2021. They’re Penn State’s fifth and sixth first-round picks since 2018.
It’s the 10th time that Penn State has had at least two players selected in the first round.
The Jets originally had the 10th pick in the draft before swapping places with the Minnesota Vikings for extra picks. Fashanu became the first Penn State player taken by New York since quarterback Christian Hackenberg was picked in the second round in 2016.
“You are an incredible young man and football player,” Lions coach James Franklin said in a statement. “We couldn’t be happier for you and your family. Your love for the game, dedication and hard work will continue to stand out in your professional career. The New York Jets are extremely lucky to have you!”
Fashanu, the 2023 Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year and a consensus All-American, became the fourth Penn State offensive tackle to be taken in the first round, joining Keith Dorney (1979), Andre Johnson (1996) and Brown. He’s the seventh offensive lineman drafted since Franklin became coach in 2014.
He did not allow a sack in 646 pass-blocking snaps the last two seasons with the Lions.
“Olu is ready for this next chapter with the New York Jets,” offensive line coach Phil Trautwein said. “During his four years with us, he was determined to be great and always took a professional approach in how he did things, both on the football field and in the classroom.
“He was always an elite role model for everybody in our offensive line room and for the rest of his teammates. He’s a great person who comes from an awesome family, and he will bring a high level of character to the Jets.”
The 6-3, 254-pound Robinson, an All-Big Ten first-team pick, played two seasons at Penn State after transferring from Maryland following his freshman season.
He became the seventh Lions defensive end to be taken in the first round and the seventh defensive end to be drafted since Franklin became coach. He became the first Penn State player to be selected by Miami since tight end Mike Gesicki was taken in the second round in 2018.
His stock was high because of his explosive quickness. He had only four sacks last season, but he played a large part in Penn State leading the nation with 49 sacks because of the pressure he created.
He ran a 40-yard dash in 4.48 seconds at the NFL scouting combine, one of the fastest times ever recorded by a defensive lineman. He also had a broad jump of 10 feet, 8 inches, which helped him post the third-best overall athleticism score by a defensive lineman this year.
“Congrats, Chop, the Miami Dolphins are lucky to have you!” Franklin said. “You’ve earned this opportunity. We appreciate what you’ve given to Penn State. Continue to compete and chase your dreams.”
Source: Berkshire mont