Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
One of the biggest offseason stories for the New Orleans Saints has been the transition for 2022 first-round offensive lineman Trevor Penning from tackle to left guard.
Last year, he successfully made the switch from left tackle to right tackle, appearing in all 17 games of the 2024 season and allowing a lower pressure percentage than in 2023 where he only started five games.
Penning’s move to the inside promises to play to some of his strengths more immediately, including his physicality and aggressiveness.
“I love it,” Penning said about using his physicality to be a tone-setter on the offensive line. “That’s kind of what I pride myself on. Always playing football, I just want to be the most physical guy out there. The other (offensive linemen) like that and that’s something good to have them say about you.”
Fellow guard Cesar Ruiz sees guard as the perfect fit for Penning.
“It’s a natural spot for him,” he said. “Trevor’s a very gifted human being, physically. His frame and his mentality is built for guard. ‘I’m going to smash you. I’m going to dump you in the ground. I’m going to bully you,’ and that’s his MO. That’s what he does in the game.”
If Penning pans out at left guard the way the Saints hope, it could mean big things for their future.
Assuming he sticks around beyond 2025, (and after being given three positions to fit within, that does seem possible) the Saints would then have four first-round picks and a highly-drafted second round pick making up the future of their offensive line.
Penning at guard, rookie Kelvin Banks Jr. at left tackle and second-year tackle Taliese Fuaga moving back to his right tackle spot from college could all help to be the tone-setters for the future of the Saints’ offensive line. Their chance to do so is under way at training camp and the linemen clearly feel that Penning’s physicality and aggressiveness are leading the way.
