The Las Vegas Raiders are actively engaged in the search for their upcoming young talents in the 2024 NFL Draft. With the recent conclusion of the NFL Scouting Combine, the Raiders aim to gain deeper insights into the players they are eyeing, both in terms of their on-field performance and off-field attributes. The team is committed to enhancing their roster across all positions with the goal of making a postseason comeback in 2024. Under Coach Antonio Pierce’s leadership, Las Vegas has experienced a significant cultural shift, which has bolstered their momentum.
With Pierce assuming the role of full-time head coach, the Raiders will seek players who align with his team culture. They have free agent players in key positions, notably on the offensive line. Olu Fashanu, an offensive tackle from Penn State, might be able to mitigate the potential departure of a starting offensive lineman. Fashanu disclosed that he has had discussions with the Raiders and shared positive impressions from his meeting during a media session. “The meeting with the Raiders was excellent,” he remarked. “Everyone was relaxed and friendly, making it a highly enjoyable experience.”
In 2023, Fashanu earned recognition as a Consensus All-American, claimed the Rimington-Pace Offensive Lineman of the Year award, and secured a spot as a First-Team All-Big Ten member. These accomplishments position him as a leading candidate for the top offensive tackle prospect in the upcoming draft.
After the 2022 season, despite being predicted as a top-10 pick, Fashanu made the surprising choice to continue his collegiate career at Penn State.
Despite this decision, he delivered another stellar performance with the Nittany Lions and remains a strong contender for a top-10 selection. During his junior season, Fashanu demonstrated exceptional proficiency by conceding only 10 total pressures without allowing a single quarterback hit or sack, as reported by Pro Football Focus.
His outstanding pass-blocking abilities earned him the fourth-highest grade in the nation. Standing tall at 6-foot-6 and weighing 319 pounds, Fashanu is an imposing figure on the field. Notably, he attended Gonzaga College High School alongside quarterback Caleb Williams, who is anticipated to be the first overall pick in the upcoming draft.
Fashanu exhibits exceptional athleticism as a tackle, complemented by ideal functional size that positions him as a potential standout pass protector at the professional level.
His athleticism also suggests he can excel in run-blocking duties. Given the Raiders’ potential need for an offensive tackle this offseason, Fashanu could seamlessly step into this role.
For a comprehensive scouting report on Fashanu, you can find it here. The NFL Draft is scheduled to take place in Detroit, Mich., from April 25th to 27th, 2024, with the Las Vegas Raiders currently holding the No. 13 overall pick.
