Tag: Trevor Penning

Cameron Jordan on being a mentor in Year 14 with the Saints

Cameron Jordan is entering Year 14 with the Saints. As the most experienced pro in the room, he’s embracing his role as a mentor:

Cameron Jordan used to be the young guy in the room. Looking up to proven pros like Will Smith and Jonathan Vilma, and just hoping to make a name for himself, proving why the New Orleans Saints drafted him. But it’s been a long time since then. He’s going into Year 14 with the black and gold, and these days he’s being asked to step into the role of a mentor. There isn’t much that he hasn’t seen or done through 209 games with the Saints, and his younger teammates know it.

Jordan was busy between drills at Wednesday’s first training camp practice of the summer, offering words and examples to those around him. Not just the young draft picks lined up behind him at defensive end, but the offensive linemen opposing him like Trevor Penning.

“This is Year 3 for him. It’s time to figure it out,” Jordan said of Penning after practice. He was seen taking time between reps to give the right tackle pointers, and he said that opportunity to help Penning is important to him. “I don’t know what anybody else is seeing on the outside in, but right now in between those lines, it’s whatever I can do to help us win a Super Bowl. So if I can talk to him, ‘Hey, calm down,’ ‘Don’t worry about it,’ ‘Throw hands, anchor,’ whatever it is, let’s get him right now. Because I don’t want to get to the season and be like, ‘We should’ve (done this),’ because I don’t have time for should’ve, I have right now.”

Still, it’s not like Jordan is neglecting his fellow defensive linemen. He’s excited to see what they can do after putting in the work to prepare for what may be a pivotal training camp for some of them.

“Payton Turner is probably in the best shape of his life right now. He’s in Year 4, he’s got more than a chip (on his shoulder), he’s got everything to prove this year,” Jordan said while rattling off the list of teammates competing around him. He continued, “I just think as we grow right now, it’s the time to grow right now. It’s the time to figure out what we’re good at it, what we want to run. How we can effect the quarterback. How can we implement Chase Young in our defense as a guy we know who can be explosive?”

Not many guys can say they’ve been there, done that in the NFL like Jordan. All he has left is winning a Super Bowl. It’s the last thing he can achieve, and he’s desperate to add a championship to his trophy case. And he knows he won’t get it done alone. Improving those around him and making the team better is his priority. He just needs to keep it up.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4]

Dennis Allen on the state of the Saints offensive line

The Saints offensive line underwent a major overhaul this offseason. Outside of Erik McCoy and Cesar Ruiz, everything is up for grabs:

The New Orleans Saints offensive line will look nothing like the 2023 rendition. Erik McCoy and Cesar Ruiz are the only holdovers from last year’s unit. Say goodbye to Andrus Peat, James Hurst and Ryan Ramczyk. Say hello to Taliese Fuaga, Nick Saldiveri and the new version of Trevor Penning lining up at right tackle.

Maybe.

That may have been who got the most first-team reps during minicamp and organized team activities. Dennis Allen clarified the team isn’t at the point of solidifying the unit.

Allen previewed the offensive line in his first training camp press conference: “After McCoy and Ruiz, there are a lot of jobs that are up for grabs.” Fuaga feels like the one other guy who will for sure start. His ceiling at right tackle suggests he could flip to his natural position and beat out Penning if the move to left tackle doesn’t work.

Even without that, Penning has a lot to prove. He didn’t impress at left tackle, so we’ll see if flipping sides benefits him. Saldiveri is also in a contest with multiple players at left guard.

New Orleans has to wait a few days to put on the pads, but Allen is eager to . That’s when answers really become unveiled.

“Being able to evaluate guys in pads, playing the game the way it’s supposed to be played,” Allen said, “is where the true evaluation comes in.”

[lawrence-auto-related count=4]

What’s next for Saints with Ryan Ramczyk out for the 2024 season?

What’s next for the Saints with Ryan Ramczyk out for the 2024 season? Their options are limited on the eve of training camp, but they knew this was coming:

What’s next for the New Orleans Saints with former All-Pro right tackle Ryan Ramczyk out for the 2024 season? Their options are limited on the eve of training camp, but they knew this was coming — head coach Dennis Allen has alluded to it as a possibility as far back as NFL owners meetings in March. That’s around the same time they informed Trevor Penning he’d be moving to right tackle while making plans to pick a new left tackle early in April’s draft.

In a perfect world they wouldn’t have to make any moves: Penning would develop as hoped with a new coaching staff and hold down the job at right tackle for years to come. Taliese Fuaga would convert to left tackle with ease and be a foundational piece moving forwards. Veteran free agents they’ve already signed like Olisaemeka Udoh and Justin Herron could join young backups Landon Young and Josiah Ezirim on the bench.

But they aren’t living in a perfect world. Things don’t always go to plan. Development isn’t linear, and it’s possible either or both of Penning and Fuaga struggle after flipping sides. If Penning is a bust at right tackle and Fuaga has to go back to his college position, who covers Derek Carr’s blind side? Young or Udoh?

That’s a hard sell. And as we said, the cupboard is looking awful bare in free agency. The Saints could look into signing another experienced pro but it has to be the right fit. Older players like Jason Peters, Duane Brown, and David Bakhtiari aren’t going to be eager to sign as a backup. If they’re going to join a team for camp it’ll likely be with the expectation that they’re starting. Other free agents like D.J. Humphries and Charles Leno Jr. are coming off of serious injuries.

Then you have free agents like Donovan Smith and Billy Turner. They’re both past their prime but they’ve played valuable snaps for teams recently, and they could be upgrades over the depth on the Saints’ roster as it stands right now. The question becomes whether they would be willing to sign on for a backup role and the league-minimum salary that comes with it. If the Saints are looking for an experienced left tackle who could take over if Fuaga moves back to the right side, Smith would make a lot of sense. Turner has mainly played right tackle as of late.

If we’re guessing today, the Saints won’t sign anyone. They’ll wait until pads come on and the first few days of practice are behind them before considering new additions. Give the youngsters time to settle in with their new coaches and test the veteran players competing behind them. They’ve had all offseason to make more moves and this Ramczyk development didn’t take them by surprise. If the Saints weren’t comfortable with their depth chart they would have done more to change it during the last two or three months.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Texans try out former Saints offensive tackle Cameron Erving

The Texans tried out former Saints offensive lineman Cameron Erving. He ended the 2023 season as their starting right tackle:

The Houston Texans tried out former New Orleans Saints offensive lineman Cameron Erving on Wednesday, per KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson. He ended the 2023 season as their starting right tackle after Ryan Ramczyk and Landon Young were both sidelined by injuries, totaling 208 snaps across three games. But he wasn’t re-signed after the season when the Saints hired a new offensive coaching staff so he clearly isn’t in their plans for 2024.

Erving entered the league as a first-round draft pick by the Cleveland Browns (out of Florida State, where he was college teammates with Jameis Winston), though Saints fans may know him best from his time with the Carolina Panthers. He also won a Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs and spent a year with the Dallas Cowboys before coming to New Orleans.

So what are the Saints’ plans at right tackle this year? Trevor Penning moved to the right side after struggling at left tackle, and Ramczyk isn’t expected to play this year while dealing with a career-threatening knee condition. Young is still in the mix but so is journeyman free agent Justin Herron. The Saints also drafted two right tackles in the first and seventh rounds, though Taliese Fuaga is penciled in to start at left tackle and Josiah Ezirim is just hoping to make the team.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Trevor Penning predicted to be the Saints’ biggest bust of 2024

Trevor Penning is changing positions but Bleacher Report expects the disappointing start to his New Orleans Saints career to continue:

New Orleans Saints offensive tackle Trevor Penning has had a difficult start to his professional career. A turf toe injury kept him out the majority of his rookie season. His first start was in the final game of the season, but he suffered another injury that required offseason rehab. He was then benched after five starts in his second season.

As Penning enters his third year, Bleacher Report’s David Kenyon doesn’t believe things will get better for Penning. Instead, he predicted Penning to be the Saints’ biggest bust this season:

Trevor Penning, a first-round selection in 2022, is running out of chances. New Orleans benched him relatively early last year, and he’s shifted from left to right tackle this offseason. Penning absolutely could find himself on the roster bubble if he stumbles again in 2024.

New Orleans is hoping a move to right tackle rejuvenates Penning. Clearly, Kenyon isn’t as hopeful. It is important to note Penning is very inexperienced for a third year player. He is credited with 17 games played last year, but he only played double-digit offensive snaps in six of them.

In those limited snaps, he showed his future at left tackle was limited. This is why the new offensive staff moved him to right tackle despite drafting a career right tackle in Taliese Fuaga.

If Penning disappoints, he should anticipate looking for a new home next year. They’ve changed his position once. It’s doubtful they’d move him to the interior if he fails at right tackle. This particular staff wasn’t who invested in him and is unlikely to give him yet another chance.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

PFF says the Saints have the worst offensive line in the NFL

The Saints launched a massive overhaul for their offensive line this offseason, but PFF ranks the unit worst in the NFL:

Pro Football Focus’ Zoltán Buday doesn’t believe there is an offensive line in the NFL worse than the New Orleans Saints. PFF is significantly less bullish on the Saints’ offensive line than positional expert Brandon Thorn, who ranked the unit at 19th amongst their peers.

Buday placed them 32nd out of the 32 teams. Here’s why PFF is so low on the big men up front in New Orleans:

On paper, the Saints’ offensive line features four former first-round picks. But their performance says otherwise.

Right tackle Ryan Ramczyk will likely need to miss the entire season, which will force New Orleans to play Trevor Penning at that spot after benching him in 2023.

Right guard Cesar Ruiz has failed to rank among the top 50 guards in PFF overall grade in any of his first four seasons. As a result, the Saints have to hope that Oregon State product Taliese Fuaga will hit the ground running at left tackle to improve the unit.

Last-place feels harsh, but this is also the hardest unit to project. Erik McCoy and Cesar Ruiz are the only truly known commodities on the offensive trenches, and PFF hasn’t graded Ruiz too highly through his career. Penning was benched after limited action and now he enters what is essentially a restart at right tackle.

On the left side of the offensive line, the Saints will likely start two players who haven’t taken significant NFL snaps. Taliese Fuaga at left tackle and Nick Saldiveri at left guard. If you like the Saints offensive line, you’re enamored by potential. There’s too many unproven players for belief to stem from much else.

[lawrence-auto-related count=1]

Countdown to Kickoff: Trevor Penning is the Saints Player of Day 70

Countdown to Kickoff: Trevor Penning is the Saints Player of Day 70. What does he need to do to salvage a rough start to his career in 2024?

We’re counting down the days to kickoff for the New Orleans Saints’ 2024 season, and with 70 days to go that makes Trevor Penning our Saints Player of the Day. What does No. 70 need to do to salvage a rough start to his career in 2024? Let’s break it down.

  • Name (Age): Trevor Penning (30)
  • Position: Offensive tackle
  • Height, weight: 6-foot-7, 325 pounds
  • Relative Athletic Score: 9.95
  • 2024 salary cap hit: $3,857,268
  • College: Northern Iowa
  • Drafted: 1st round in 2022 (New Orleans Saints)
  • NFL experience: 3 years

Things have not gone as hoped for Penning. He lost his rookie year to injuries. His second season was shuttered after six hard-to-watch starts. And now he’s switching positions in Year 3, moving from left tackle to the right side. Early returns at spring practices were encouraging, and it does seem like the new staff — offensive line coach John Benton and senior assistant Rick Dennison, joining assistant Jahri Evans — are better connecting with Penning than their predecessors. But they haven’t run a single practice in pads yet, and none of it truly matters until the season starts in September.

But a successful 2024 season for Penning is easy to describe. He needs to check each of these boxes: stay healthy; start every game he plays; and help the team by executing his assignments, moving people in the run game and keeping his quarterback clean. That’s all easier said than done. Let’s see Penning put it into practice.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4]

Countdown to Kickoff: Olisaemeka Udoh is the Saints Player of Day 74

Countdown to Kickoff: Olisaemeka Udoh is the New Orleans Saints Player of Day 74. Can the veteran earn a starting job in 2024?

The countdown to the New Orleans Saints 2024 regular season kickoff is underway as we highlight every player who wears  the corresponding jersey number of the day. With now 74 days remaining before the Saints’ Week 1 game against the Carolina Panthers, offensive lineman Olisaemeka Udoh is today’s Saints Player of the Day.

Let’s talk about his objectives for 2024 and how important his play will be in the weeks leading up to the season.

  • Name (Age): Oli Udoh (27)
  • Position: Offensive guard/tackle
  • Height, weight: 6-foot-6, 320 pounds
  • Relative Athletic Score: 8.14
  • 2024 salary cap hit: $2,000,000
  • College: Elon
  • Drafted: 6th round in 2019 (Minnesota Vikings)
  • NFL experience: 6 years

Udoh started 18 games for the Minnesota Vikings over a 5-year period after being selected in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL draft. In 2021, he started 16 games (14 at right guard, two at left tackle) allowing only one sack that season. This would be the same season where new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak spent his lone year calling plays for the Vikings.

As far as his role with the team, Udoh is expected to compete for a starting job, possibly at right tackle along with former first-round pick Trevor Penning. Although the team would much rather prefer Penning to start in terms of their investments, Udoh was brought in to be a guy with starting experience who you can plug in if needed. He’s also a candidate to push Nick Saldiveri at left guard.

If not as a starter, Udoh will likely play the role as the team’s swing tackle/guard. Similar to Andrus Peat’s role last season before he ended up as the teams starter by seasons end. Much of this will be decided during training camp as the team heads to Irvine, Calif. in July. With the uncertainty at the right tackle position still looming, Udoh’s play in these next couple months will be extremely crucial for the outlook of this team.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4]

Countdown to Kickoff: Taliese Fuaga is the Saints Player of Day 75

Countdown to Kickoff: Taliese Fuaga is the New Orleans Saints Player of Day 75. What does a successful rookie year for him look like?

We’re down to Day 75 in our countdown to the New Orleans Saints’ regular season opener, making the current owner of the No. 75 jersey our Saints Player of the Day: Taliese Fuaga. This year’s first-round draft pick has joined the team with high expectations, so let’s recap his background and what his goal should be in 2024:

  • Name (Age): Taliese Fuaga (22)
  • Position: Offensive tackle
  • Height, weight: 6-foot-6, 324 pounds
  • Relative Athletic Score: 9.63
  • 2024 salary cap hit: $3,154,210
  • College: Oregon State
  • Drafted: First round in 2024 (New Orleans Saints)
  • NFL experience: Rookie

Fuaga played right tackle in college but the Saints have converted him to the left side, and it’s a challenge he’s embracing. They’re banking on a smooth transition in his rookie year to better protect Derek Carr’s blind side. While he’s best known for his work moving opponents in the run game, Fuaga was clean in pass protection at Oregon State and won his battles against some of this year’s most-hyped pass rushers (like former UCLA star Laiatu Latu, who was drafted immediately after Fuaga in Round 1).

So what does a successful rookie year look like for Fuaga? The Saints want to see him stay healthy and productive while anchoring the offensive line from the left tackle spot. A Pro Bowl nod or All-Pro attention in his first year in the NFL is a lot to ask, so we won’t set the bar that high. As long as Fuaga isn’t giving up many sacks or drawing a ton of penalties while Carr is staying upright and getting the ball out, Saints fans and coaches should be left feeling positive.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4]

Saints offensive line ranked 19th in the NFL

Brandon Thorn ranked the Saints as the 19th-best offensive line in the NFL. It’s a ranking that’s actually not as concerning as it sounds:

Establish The Run’s offensive line expert Brandon Thorn ranked the New Orleans Saints as the 19th best offensive line in the NFL heading into the season. That puts them below the average in terms of pure ranking among their peers. For this conversation, we’ll use Taliese Fuaga, Nick Saldiveri, Erik McCoy, Cesar Ruiz and Trevor Penning as the starting lineup

That’s objectively not good. If the Saints walk out of 2024 with the 19th-best offensive line, the season likely wasn’t a success. Contextually, however,  the ranking shouldn’t be too concerning. 19th is an acceptable and almost favorable ranking heading into the season.

The phrasing, heading into the season, is the most important part of this conversation. McCoy and Ruiz are returning starters. Outside of those two, there are massive question marks on every other potential starter. Penning clearly wasn’t working at left tackle. Is flipping sides enough to rectify his issues or is he just not meant to play on the outside?

Fuaga is a rookie who is changing positions. He may be a first round pick, but changing sides can be difficult for any player. He has impressed thus far and there should be a hope that continues. Saldiveri is the hope at left guard. He didn’t take an offensive snap last year.

This is all best case scenario starting. Anything other than this will pose even more questions. Being barely below average would be a bad end point. With all the unknowns around the unit, it should be viewed as a starting point though. If Fuaga can deliver on his promise, the ceiling for this unit rises much more.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4]