The New Orleans Saints’ offensive line has the potential to make major strides in 2025 compared to last season.
In 2024, the unit was plagued by injuries, but heading into this season, the group appears to be in better health. Additionally, the Saints bolstered their line by selecting offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. with the ninth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Despite being filled with first-round talent, the line was still ranked only 22nd in the league by Pro Football Focus analyst Zoltán Buday.
“Ranked No. 22: New Orleans Saints,” Buday wrote. “The line is full of potential, boasting four former first-rounders. Ironically, their most effective player might be the only non-first-rounder—center Erik McCoy—who earned an impressive 94.4 PFF grade in 2024, albeit in a limited sample of 293 snaps over seven games. Trevor Penning, who flashed ability as a run blocker at right tackle, will now move to left guard.”
The Saints are set to start yet another first-rounder at left tackle in rookie Kelvin Banks Jr. If he meets expectations, it could quickly elevate the line to average or better.
While the No. 22 ranking may seem underwhelming, there’s plenty of room for improvement. Optimism surrounds the group, especially with the presence of Taliese Fuaga. After starting all 17 games as a rookie, he’s drawing buzz as a breakout star.
“Breakout player: OT Taliese Fuaga,” wrote The Athletic’s Jacob Robinson. “Now that Banks Jr. can take over at left tackle, Fuaga returns to his natural position at right tackle, where he excelled at Oregon State. With solid play on both ends and arguably the best center in the league in McCoy, this line has the pieces to become one of the NFL’s top units.”
Leave a Reply