By Ross Jackson
Injuries took their toll on the New Orleans Saints last year. While managing other struggles like a changing offensive system and some challenging regression of the effectiveness of the defense, attrition, and change made finding their footing after a hot start very challenging for the Saints.
One area that was heavily impacted by injury was the offensive line.
Heavily Rotation On The Interior
The Saints saw nine different offensive linemen take at least 149 snaps in 2024. Each one of them received a start. All the while, tackles Taliese Fuaga and Trevor Penning appear in and start every game.
That means seven different players saw a start on the three interior positions.
Then-rookie offensive lineman Kyle Hergel also notched 45 snaps on the team’s Week Seven loss to the Denver Broncos despite not starting.
Veteran Additions Shore Things Up
Last year, the Saints had to turn to shaky depth. With offensive lineman Nick Saldiveri dealing with injury before the season began, journeyman Lucas Patrick was thrust into a starting role. Once he and starting center Erik McCoy were managing injuries of their own, the team had to turn to Connor McGovern, who was added days before being called upon.
This season, the Saints have gotten out ahead of things and added some intriguing talent to help from the perspective of depth.
The Saints signed former New Orleans offensive lineman Will Clapp Jr., giving the team a viable depth center. Dillon Radunz, an addition from the Tennessee Titans, can play either guard or tackle spot, as can be said about re-signed lineman Landon Young.
New Orleans has propelled itself from having just three or four starting offensive lineman to having a strong starting five and at least a few reliable backup options. Undrafted rookie Easton Kilty is a sleeper name to watch as well, a strong candidate to make the roster as UDFA.
Now, when an injury happens, the Saints look like they have the requisite coverage to not upset another position in the lineup. This was on display during the final day of OTAs as right guard Cesar Ruiz was not present and Radunz simply stepped into the role without anyone else having to change positions.
Changes Impacted The Starters, Too
The first-round selection of Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. was a great get by the Saints, which has allowed the team to further make adjustments to their starting five.
With Banks staying at left tackle, Fuaga moved to the right side, while Penning shifted inside to left guard.
The moves have looked to pay off as Penning has looked confident at his new position while Banks and Fuaga fill in at their collegiate spots.
