Olu Fashanu isn’t overwhelmed by the thought of replacing one future Hall of Famer and protecting another.
The Jets’ rookie first-round draft pick is in line to start for the first time Sunday at the position that he could call home for a long time.
Left tackle Tyron Smith is not practicing and is likely to miss the game against the Colts due to a neck injury, so someone needs to cover Aaron Rodgers’ blind side.
“It definitely is a big responsibility,” Fashanu said, “but I try not to think of it like that. We are already in a very high-pressure environment, so I’m not trying to put any more pressure on myself like that.”
Fashanu impressed teammates and coaches last week by practicing mostly at right guard — a position he had never played in his football career until a dire depth situation Oct. 31 against the Texans — and then jumping in at his natural left tackle when Smith was injured against the Cardinals.
“He’s really showing some poise as a young player, which is great to see and certainly a valuable trait for a guy in his position this year,” offensive play caller Todd Downing said. “Excited about his future, and the strides he’s made both inside and outside.”
It seems fitting that the same 31-6 loss to the Cardinals that essentially ended the Jets’ playoff hopes in 2024 might also have marked the turning of a page to the Fashanu chapter, which began with two pressures allowed on 26 pass-blocking snaps.
Fashanu’s previous two starts came at right tackle, meaning he has played three spots, all requiring different technical adjustments.
General manager Joe Douglas always knew that the offensive line’s sixth man would be called upon at left tackle at some point because the free-agent addition Smith hasn’t played a full season since 2015.
“I think that’s his comfort zone,” Downing said, “and I think that when Joe was turning in that [draft] card, that’s probably what he saw was the future there. Seeing him be able to go out and execute was encouraging.”
Just not surprising.
“I hate him because he’s so freaking athletic,” veteran right tackle Morgan Moses quipped. “What you want in a rookie is a guy who is willing to be so selfless. He’s a first-round pick and can be like, ‘No, I play tackle,’ but he’s like, ‘No, I’m going to do anything for the team and to get on the field, and I’m going to do it to the best of my ability.’ You appreciate a guy like that.”
Fashanu’s popularity with his teammates was evident after Thursday’s practice as Rodgers, running back Breece Hall and a group of offensive linemen hooted, hollered and cracked inside jokes about him finding his way into the media spotlight.
“I take it as a good sign that they like me,” Fashanu said. “I feel like if they didn’t do it, maybe I’m not doing my rookie duties.”
Fashanu’s duties against the Colts could include blocking Laiatu Latu — who was picked No. 15 overall, four spots after Fashanu — and fellow former first-rounder Kwity Paye.
“It’s never easy, but … there is a sense of familiarity just going back to the position I played in college and high school,” Fashanu said. “I always approach every week the same — trying to find different details in the run and pass game for me to improve.”
Smith (five sacks allowed and six penalties) hasn’t played up to his standards this season, but it would have been complicated for the Jets to bench an eight-time Pro Bowler.
The injury creates an opportunity to further develop Fashanu, who has earned respect for the way he blocks out distractions.
“You couldn’t ask for anything more than your rookie to get thrown around in different positions. It’s one of the hardest things to do, but he doesn’t blink,” Moses said.
“It’s only going to make him better because now his mindset is, ‘I know what the guard is thinking, so I can anticipate what I need to do at left tackle and help the guard at the same time.’ When you are able to see football at a wider spectrum, it only helps your ability and your growth.”