Joel Klatt explains ranking Olu Fashanu as top offensive lineman in NFL Draft

Running down his updated list of the top 50 prospects in the NFL Draft this week, FOX Sports analyst Joel Klatt explains his ranking for Olu Fashanu, whom he ranked No. 1 amongst all linemen in this year’s draft. Unlike many other analysts, Klatt likes the Penn State standout a bit more than Notre Dame tackle Joe Alt, who is projected to come off the board first in the draft later this month somewhere between picks five to 11.

“I went with top-end potential on this one, No. 8 Olu Fashanu,” Klatt said. “It’s easier to put Joe Alt as the top offensive lineman because it’s safer, he’s more polished than Olu Fashanu. He’s played more football than Olu. But the top-end potential Fashanu supersedes that of guys like Joe Alt.

“I believe he has the potential to be one of the top 3-4 offensive linemen in all of football in four or five years, that’s the trajectory that he’s on. He’s very smart, he’s incredibly driven, got great feet, and he’s very athletic for as big of a frame as he has.”

Olu Fashanu returning to full health before NFL Draft

Before declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft, the former Penn State standout did not allow a sack through 365 pass-blocking snaps. After this season, he won Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year honors and was a consensus First Team All-Big Ten selection. He also earned a spot on the Walter Camp All-American Team as a first-team selection.

Unfortunately, at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Fashanu suffered a quad injury that ended his day of testing early after the 40-yard dash. He played through the injury when it came time for Pro Day a month ago at Penn State, however. He went through drills and told reporters his health was around 80% but expected to be back to 100% by draft day.

Among the top candidates to be the first tackle taken in the 2024 NFL Draft are Fashanu, Alt and Alabama’s JC Latham. Whichever tackle comes off the board could be up to the LA Chargers who hold the No. 5 overall pick in the draft. It could also come down to whichever prospect they like best for right tackle, not left tackle. They could even trade back in the draft, which would give them extra capital and likely allow them to secure their next starting right tackle at a lower-value pick.