FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The New York Jets may’ve given quarterback Aaron Rodgers the reward he is by no means acquired — a pass-catcher drafted within the first spherical. Tight finish Brock Bowers was accessible Thursday night time, however the Jets opted for sort out Olumuyiwa Fashanu.
And Rodgers, 40, appeared cool with that.
Showing on “The Pat McAfee Present” throughout the draft, Rodgers referred to as it “an excellent decide” by normal supervisor Joe Douglas. “We belief Joe.”
There was a whole lot of Bowers buzz throughout the run-up to the draft, with many speculating that the Jets would give their star quarterback a playmaker. They eyed broad receivers Malik Nabers and Rome Odunze, however each had been off the board by the Jets’ decide at No. 10 total. They traded down one spot, switching locations with the Minnesota Vikings.
At No. 11, they selected the Huge 10 Offensive Lineman of the Yr over Georgia’s scoring machine (31 touchdowns in 40 video games).
“It wasn’t essentially the highest of the wants checklist, however I do know they beloved Olu,” Rodgers mentioned. “I like what Joe did, transferring again and getting a few extra picks.”
The Jets acquired fourth- and fifth-round picks by buying and selling again one spot, sending a sixth-rounder to the Vikings. With one decide within the third spherical and three within the fourth, the Jets now have sufficient ammunition to commerce into the second spherical. At the moment, their second-round decide belongs to the Inexperienced Bay Packers through the Rodgers commerce final April.
They wish to add one other offensive participant, most likely a large receiver. That they did not land a talent place participant within the first spherical is acquainted territory for Rodgers. The Packers by no means used a first-round decide on a large receiver or a good finish throughout his 15-year reign because the beginning quarterback. Final 12 months, the Jets drafted defensive finish Will McDonald within the first spherical.
“Olu is a mauler,” Rodgers mentioned. “He had an unimaginable profession at Penn State. He is not going to leap into sort out instantly. We’ll see if we are able to work him in at guard. I believe he will have an extended profession within the league, for much longer than I’ll be in New Jersey.”
The plan is to have Fashanu function the backup for his or her prize free company pickup in Tyron Smith at left sort out. Fashanu can study from a possible Corridor of Famer and, if he is pressed into motion, he can shield the blindside of the longer term Corridor of Famer.
“I really feel like I am residing a fairytale or one thing like that,” Fashanu mentioned, referring to Smith — an eight-time Professional Bowl sort out with the Dallas Cowboys. “He was the primary participant I ever watched, watching movie as a sort out. I did not begin enjoying soccer till I used to be a freshman in highschool. Him on the time, he was absolutely the customary at left sort out.
“So for me, getting the chance to look at years upon years of movie of him and now having this nice alternative to study with him … what extra may I ask for?”
