Jets build offensive depth with pair of draft picks in first three rounds

Through three rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Jets selected offensive tackle Olu Fashanu with the 11th pick and wide receiver Malachi Corley with the 65th pick. Both selections add depth to an already strong offensive roster. 

By Spencer Meyers

The New York Jets focused on building offensive depth with their first two picks of the 2024 NFL Draft, which took place on April 25. 

Round 1, Pick 11: Olu Fashanu - Offensive Tackle, Penn State

The Jets selected Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu with the 11th pick in Thursday’s first round of the NFL draft. The Jets sat at pick 10 entering the night before exchanging picks 10 and 203 with the Minnesota Vikings for picks 11, 129, and 157. 

Fashanu will arrive in Florham Park after an illustrious career with the Nittany Lions. The two time All-American, named Penn State’s Most Valuable Player for the 2023 season, allowed only one sack in 29 career games. 

“He’s just a really high-level, high-impact pass protector,” Jets General Manager Joe Douglas said at a press conference after making the pick. 

Fashanu will join a revamped offensive line room that includes free agency acquisitions Tyron Smith and John Simpson, along with trade acquisition Morgan Moses. 

Not expected to be a day one starter, Fashanu will look to add depth to the Jets offensive line that has been plagued by injuries in recent years. 

While Fashanu may not have been the flashy pick, he provides a necessary insurance plan in protecting quarterback Aaron Rodgers as he returns from his Achilles tear. 

Round 3, Pick 1 (65 Overall): Malachi Corley - Wide Receiver, Western Kentucky

The Jets selected Western Kentucky wide receiver Malachi Corley with the 65th pick Friday night. The Jets traded up to acquire Corley, trading picks 72 and 157 for pick 65 from the Carolina Panthers. 

Nicknamed the “YAC King,” Corley was a dominant force with the ball in his hands at Western Kentucky, leading FBS schools with 2,068 yards after the catch since 2021 (the next closest player had 1,676). 

Corley posted 2,943 yards and 29 touchdowns in four years with the Hilltoppers, setting a school record for receptions with 259. He was named first-team All-Conference USA in his final two seasons at Western Kentucky.  

"We're juiced, man. Malachi is a guy that you watch his tape and it's hard not to get excited," Douglas said after selecting Corley. 

Corley will look to complement Garrett Wilson and free agent acquisition Mike Williams in a wide receiver room expected to have a strong year with Rodgers returning from injury. 

"Knowing my journey, where I came from, then knowing I get to play with somebody great who I've been watching since I was younger like Aaron Rodgers ... I was over excited to get the call," Corley said.