Jets Bolster Offensive Line in Mel Kiper's First 2024 NFL Mock Draft

The New York Jets faced a lot of problems throughout the 2023 NFL season, especially when it came to the offensive line. New York's O-line finished the regular season as one of the worst units in most categories, including sacks (T-29th), hurries (29th), quarterback hits (T-6th), and total pressures (31st).

The Jets' poor offensive line play was a key reason why Aaron Rodgers' season ended after just four snaps while backup QB Zach Wilson also missed time due to injury. If New York wants to win a Super Bowl next season, Rodgers must be given better protection — especially with his having turned 40 in December.

Fortunately, ESPN's Mel Kiper has the Jets solving their O-line woes in his first 2024 NFL mock draft.

Jets Mock Draft: New York Projected to Draft LT Olu Fashanu

Kiper projects that the Jets will use the 10th overall selection on Penn State left tackle Olu Fashanu. The 6-foot-6, 319-pound blocker is viewed by most draft experts as one of the best offensive linemen in the draft, meaning it's a no-brainer for New York to add him to the frontline.

"At 6-foot-6, 319 pounds, Fashanu has the physical traits and footwork of an elite lineman. He could have been a first-rounder in last year's draft if he had entered. "

- Mel Kiper

Fashanu has been an integral part of the Nittany Lions' O-line over the last three seasons. In 24 games during that stretch, the 21-year-old only surrendered 16 QB hurries and one hit without a sack allowed throughout 1,349 offensive snaps.

He's been rewarded for his efforts, too, having been named first-team All-Big Ten, consensus All-American, and the Rimington–Pace Offensive Lineman of the Year at the end of the 2023 campaign.

The Jets also have a massive hole at the starting LT spot with Mekhi Becton hitting free agency this offseason. The former Louisville product has started in 30 games since New York drafted him 11th overall in 2020, however, Spotrac projects his market value at $12.9 million annually. That's too pricy for the Jets, who are projected to have just over $7.5 million in cap space this spring.

Considering how Kiper says that Fashanu "still hasn't come close to reaching his ceiling," Jets fans should be thrilled about the possibility of a stud like him protecting their QBs for years to come.

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