NFL Mock Draft: Jets Select Mekhi Becton's Replacement?

The New York Jets need to stabilize the protection on Aaron Rodgers's blindside, and a new mock draft suggests Penn State's Olu Fashanu is the answer.

Should the New York Jets choose to let free agent left tackle Mekhi Becton walk, they'll likely find a capable replacement in the 2024 NFL Draft.

ESPN's latest mock draft suggests the Jets will go that route. Analyst Field Yates projects Penn State bookend Olu Fashanu lands with New York at No. 10 overall in Round 1.

In the scenario laid out by Yates, Notre Dame's Joe Alt is the first offensive tackle drafted with the consensus All-American going to the Los Angeles Chargers at No. 5 overall. Rumored to be in the running for an offensive lineman, the Tennessee Titans used the No. 7 overall selection for Washington receiver Rome Odunze and allowed Fashanu to drop into New York's hands.

Fashanu projects as a plug-and-play tackle expected to stabilize the left side of the line where Becton started 14 games in 2023. Becton, the No. 11 overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft, had been plagued by injury and durability issues until making 16 starts this past season. His 987 offensive snaps were the most amongst the Jets' offensive tackles, but he also led the team with 16 penalties.

New York's offense struggled mightily in pass protection to the tune of a 10.65% sack percentage, fourth worst in the NFL. Drafting a physically-gifted franchise tackle prospect with Big Ten pedigree will enhance the supporting cast around 40-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers. 

© Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch

The 6-foot-6 Fashanu emerged as an elite blindside protector in 2022, starting eight games for Penn State until an injury cut his junior season short. Fashanu made 12 starts as the left tackle in his final season in Happy Valley. The Rimington-Pace Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year was also a finalist for the William Campbell Trophy also known as college football's "Academic Heisman."

The Jets also landed Fashanu in a mock draft from ESPN guru Mel Kiper late last month. 

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ESPN writes:

"The Jets will be on a mission all offseason to upgrade the offensive line ahead of Aaron Rodgers' return to action after a torn Achilles, with the two tackle positions in the spotlight. There is allure for the upside of a player like Tyler Guyton (Oklahoma) and the toughness of Taliese Fuaga (Oregon State), but Fashanu is ready to anchor the blind side right away for Rodgers and has the goods to become an outstanding pro. His tape was a little better in 2022 than 2023 from my view, but we're still talking about one of the most impressive prospects in the class. Fashanu allowed one sack over 21 career starts" 

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