Due to a potential knee injury, Ryan Ramczyk, a dependable offensive tackle for the New Orleans Saints, may miss the 2024 season.
But the Saints might be able to select a long-term upgrade in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
When the New Orleans Saints go on the clock, Olu Fashanu, an All-American offensive tackle from Penn State, might be available, and if so, he would be hard to pass up.
In Eric Edholm’s most recent NFL Mock Draft, the Saints choose Fashanu with pick No. 14 overall—exactly the same outcome.
Edholm writes for NFL.com, “Ryan Ramczyk’s health status doesn’t sound great.” In addition, the 2022 first-round pick Trevor Penning hasn’t shown much promise, so the Saints will probably need a tackle with starting ability. Although his run blocking concerns me a little, Fashanu is a skilled pass protector who is only beginning to realize his full physical potential.
Report on Olu Fashanu’s NFL Draft Scouting
Standing at 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 317 pounds, Fashanu is considered one of the class’s top prospects at offensive tackle.
With a ton of promise, Lance Zierlein of NFL Media describes Fashanu as “a toolsy two-year starter.” “Fashanu is still working on playing more instinctively and less mechanically. By now, he could force his characteristics on the majority of his collegiate rivals and tip the odds in his favor.
In order to avoid being countered and defeated by NFL talent, he will need to play with greater control and consistency as a professional. He still has potential to grow in size and strength, but as a run blocker, he is already playing with good drive and concentration.
Over the course of three seasons at Happy Valley, Fashanu did not allow a sack and only gave up one QB pressure, according to Pro Football Focus. PFF gave Fashanu an outstanding 88.4 pass-rush rating and 70.5 run-blocking mark for the previous campaign.
Should the Saints really use their first-round selection to strengthen their left tackle position. As a top-15 pick, Fashanu might be one of the players to monitor closely.
