Along with the team’s wide receiver room, the New Orleans Saints have seen perhaps their most drastic improvement at a single position along the offensive line. From improving the starting five to providing more depth and promising development, the position may not have seen itself skyrocket in national recognition for any one signing, but the team effectively raised its starting talent and closed some gaps in the depth conversation as well.
Along with the free agent acquisition of guard David Edwards, who will now start on the left side of center Erik McCoy, the Saints also drafted guard Jeremiah Wright in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, a promising young lineman that has already impressed inside the building. The Saints also re-signed a versatile depth piece in Dillon Radunz and invested heavily in some developmental undrafted talent.
Each of these moves has helped the Saints alter the outlook of their offensive line in a positive light.
The Names
- Kelvin Banks Jr. (LT)
- David Edwards (LG)
- Erik McCoy (C)
- Cesar Ruiz (RG)
- Taliese Fuaga (RT)
- Dillon Radunz
- Asim Richards
- William Sherman
- Torricelli Simpkins III
- Barry Wesley
- Xavier Truss
- Easton Kilty
- Jeremiah Wright
- Alan Herron
- Alex Wollschlaeger
Top Storyline
Training camp is always a tough time to try to evaluate an offensive line. The truth is that much won’t be able to be taken away from watching the unit until the pads go on during practices and again until the team sees its first preseason action.
But even leading up to that, observing the chemistry of the line, their ability to communicate and move will all be important elements.
The Saints are likely to see more outside rushing attempts in 2026, providing a look at how well the line can quickly get out of its stance and start moving laterally in unison. Meanwhile, the downhill run game will test the group’s fortitude as an aggressive and physical unit.
During camp, seeing the pass protection will be a little easier than evaluating the run game. Seeing free rushers at the quarterback or getting beat on the inside will become quickly evident. Avoiding an abundance of these moments will be necessary in furthering confidence in the line.
Most Intriguing Battle: Making the Roster
It’s unlikely that there will be much of a shakeup along the starting offensive line going into 2026. While some would like to see Ruiz and Wright battling it out for the starting right guard role, allowing Wright to continue developing in head coach Kellen Moore’s system is a better path forward than throwing him to the wolves immediately.
Additionally, the Saints have mentioned Ruiz as being a player they would like to get more from and therefore will look to provide him the opportunity to respond with his play.
Instead, the battle will be among depth players looking to solidify their chance to contribute if ever called upon. Young tackles Herron and Wollschlaeger will try to carve their way to an active roster or practice squad spot while battling with a number of returning faces like Wesley and Truss.
On the interior, the backup center battle will be one to watch as well. The Saints have to be prepared to be without players along the starting offensive line during the season. Having dedicated backups to each spot, rather than shifting players around, will be a preferable approach. Simpkins and Sherman have been the two most consistent presences at center behind McCoy, who has missed 20 games over the last two seasons and is vital to the club’s success.
Those two will continue to battle it out for the chance to backup one of the most underrated positions in football.
