Brandon Thorn, a specialist in offensive line analysis for Establish The Run, has assessed the New Orleans Saints as having the 19th best offensive line in the NFL as the season begins. This ranking places them below average compared to other teams in the league. The projected starting lineup includes Taliese Fuaga, Nick Saldiveri, Erik McCoy, Cesar Ruiz, and Trevor Penning. While being 19th in the rankings may not seem promising, it is important to consider the context in which this assessment is being made.
It is crucial to note that McCoy and Ruiz are established starters on the team. However, for the other potential starters, there are significant uncertainties. Penning has struggled at left tackle, raising doubts about his ability to perform on the outside. Fuaga, a rookie, is transitioning to a new position, which can be challenging even for a first-round pick. Saldiveri did not see any offensive snaps last season and is being counted on as the left guard in the lineup.
This scenario represents an ideal starting point for the Saints’ offensive line, but there are many variables that could impact their performance. If Fuaga can live up to expectations and deliver on his potential, the unit’s ceiling could be much higher than anticipated. Despite the uncertainties surrounding the lineup, it is important to view this ranking as a starting point rather than a definitive assessment of the team’s capabilities.