Commanders 5-round 2024 NFL mock draft after 2-3 start in 2023
By Dean Jones
Commanders draft Olumuyiwa Fashanu
- Offensive Tackle | Penn State Nittany Lions
Despite the Washington Commanders going through some struggles in terms of results right now, there is one undoubted positive to emerge from the first five games. Sam Howell looks like a franchise quarterback and given the player's current trajectory, there's nothing to suggest further improvements won't arrive as the campaign progresses.
Obviously, a new coaching regime might have a different view. But for now, Howell is the guy and the Commanders should build around the former fifth-round pick while his contract is still extremely cheap for an NFL starter.
That all starts in the trenches. Fortifying the offensive line has been a difficult task for the current decision-makers, which is once again leading to complications and Howell taking far more hits than would normally be welcome.
The time has come for Washington to find a legitimate franchise left tackle. Olumuyiwa Fashanu fits the bill in no uncertain terms and if the Penn State stud is still around at this juncture, it would be an extremely difficult proposition to pass up.
Fashanu has everything one looks for in a premium blindside protector. His athleticism and mobility are nothing short of extraordinary for a man his size, which is matched by functional core strength and solid technique to keep opposing pass-rushers at arm's length with relative comfort.
What this would mean for Charles Leno Jr. or Andrew Wylie's future remains to be seen. But one could make a strong case for Fashanu being an immediate upgrade at either tackle position.