Pro Bowl OT sees ‘Upside’ with Penning
08/26/2024
As the preseason comes to an end, former first round pick Trevor Penning is among the most discussed players on the Saints roster.
The 19th overall pick of the 2022 draft has started just six games in two seasons—a woeful number for a player selected to be the franchise left tackle to replace former All Pro Terron Armstead. While the experiment at left tackle in 2023 was an unmitigated failure, the Saints are hoping to get a return on their investment by moving Penning to right tackle in 2024.
Through training camp and three preseason games, former Saints Pro Bowl right tackle Jon Stinchcomb gave his assessment of Penning.
“I see progress,” Stinchcomb said in an interview on “After Further Review” with Matt Moscona. “If I’m going to be candid, I don’t know that it’s progressed to the point of starter caliber, but that’s kind of inconsequential at this point because the Saints are going to rely on him to be that starter. I don’t think there’s another option in house, nor do they have a lot of cap space, nor are they growing on trees where you can just pluck one out and replace him with someone who can step right in.”
Stinchcomb’s career had a similar beginning to Penning’s. After being selected 37th overall in 2003, he spent the first two seasons as a backup before missing the 2005 season due to injury. Stinchcomb would earn the team’s starting right tackle job in 2006 and would 86 consecutive starts over the next five seasons. In 2009, Stinchcomb would earn a Pro Bowl nod in helping lead the Saints to a victory in Super Bowl XLIV.
Stinchcomb says Penning is still the best option on the Saints roster.
“I think you see a higher upside with Penning,” he said. “I think his ability in the run game gets overlooked at times because of his shortcomings in pass protection…one of the reasons they drafted him is because of his raw power and at times that is on full display.”
Another potential reason for optimism is how Penning fits in new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s scheme featuring outside zone and play action pass.
“I think he was a misfit in the Carmichael offense,” he said. “I think that changes considerable once we take the field against Carolina (in Week 1). I think (Kubiak’s offense) should help not only Trevor but that entire offensive line.”
The Saints open at home against the Panthers Sept. 8.