With Erik McCoy taking a rest day during the New Orleans Saints’ Wednesday training camp practice, Lucas Patrick filled in at center and played all of the first-team reps in team drills. This was the second day in a row Patrick stepped in as a starter after left guard Nick Saldiveri was injured during Tuesday’s practice.
Patrick’s floor on the team feels like the backup left guard and backup center — a player who is active on game days and ready to go in at a moment’s notice. This is a great position for Patrick as it immediately establishes a value at multiple positions. The Saints offensive line has been questionable, but having a versatile piece will always be valued when it comes to the final roster. Patrick has done well for himself as a starter in the past.
New Orleans always seems to pick up and keep an offensive lineman that can play multiple positions who pays dividends. Think of a player like James Hurst who was originally a backup who could fill in at multiple positions, who then became a starter. The prototype for this is typically a player who lines up at guard and tackle, but this is where Patrick breaks the mold.
Patrick is also not solidified as a backup. His ceiling is starting at left guard. The longer Saldiveri remains on the shelf the more opportunities Patrick has to make a case as the proper starter at left guard.
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