New York’s Draft Decision Under Scrutiny as Bowers Shines and Fashanu Grows into His Role
The New York Jets are facing criticism for their choice to pass on standout Georgia tight end Brock Bowers in favor of Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu with the 11th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. With Bowers now having a stellar season for the Las Vegas Raiders, the Jets’ front office is being questioned for what many are calling an $18 million “blunder.”
Bowers Makes a Splash in His Rookie Season
Brock Bowers’ rookie campaign has been nothing short of sensational. In just 11 games this season, he has accumulated 84 catches, 884 receiving yards, and four touchdowns, leading the NFL in receptions and ranking highly in receiving yards and yards after catch. His performance on Black Friday, where he registered 130 yards and a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs, only further fueled the debate over the Jets’ decision.
“Bowers is a stud,” said Connor Hughes of SNY, reflecting the growing sentiment among fans and analysts alike. His rapid ascent in the league has many questioning whether the Jets missed out on a game-changing talent by passing on him.
Despite his breakout numbers, it’s worth noting that Bowers is playing for a team that is struggling mightily. The Las Vegas Raiders are currently 2-10, with little chance of making a playoff push. As a result, some argue that his individual success hasn’t translated to team success, making the Jets’ decision to focus on a position like offensive tackle, which impacts every play, still defensible.
Fashanu’s Development and the Jets’ Long-Term Vision
Olu Fashanu’s journey with the Jets has been more of a slow burn. The rookie offensive tackle, who was selected to help solidify the Jets’ offensive line, started the season behind veterans Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses. However, injuries to both starting tackles thrust him into action, and Fashanu has shown promise.
Though he has made only three starts in 11 games, Fashanu has allowed just one sack, a solid statistic for a rookie offensive lineman. The Jets’ decision to focus on the left tackle position, where Fashanu is expected to be a future cornerstone, is driven by the importance of protecting the quarterback—especially with Aaron Rodgers behind center.
“If Olu Fashanu becomes our Franchise LT, I promise you no one will care about the success of Brock Bowers with the Raiders,” said one Jets fan. Left tackles are rare and critical to the success of any offense, and securing a player like Fashanu for the next four years gives the Jets valuable control over a pivotal position.
The Case for Bowers in a Different Situation
While the criticism of the Jets’ draft decision is understandable given Bowers’ exceptional start to his career, the reality is that the team’s needs and long-term goals were different. The Jets needed an anchor on their offensive line to protect their veteran quarterback and ensure the success of their offense. Max Mitchell and Carter Warren were not viable options to protect Rodgers’ blindside, and taking Bowers, a tight end, would have created a massive hole in their offensive line.
Jets content creator Matt O’Leary responded to the ongoing debate by pointing out that with Bowers on the team, New York would still be facing a subpar season. “Probably still 3-8,” he remarked, reminding fans that the team’s struggles aren’t solely due to a lack of offensive weapons, but rather systemic issues that include quarterback play and overall offensive line stability.
Conclusion: It’s Still Early, but the Jets Remain Confident
As draft experts will remind us, it’s premature to judge the success or failure of a draft pick after only one season. While Bowers’ immediate impact is undeniable, Fashanu’s potential as the franchise’s left tackle could pay dividends in the long term. The Jets’ decision to invest in offensive line stability reflects a broader understanding of team-building that may not yield immediate flash but could prove crucial in the coming years.
For now, the Jets have to focus on building around the foundation they’ve laid, and if Fashanu becomes the left tackle of the future, no one will care about Bowers’ success with the Raiders. The bottom line is, in a few years, we’ll know if the Jets made the right call—until then, fans will continue to debate whether or not they missed out on a generational talent.
