Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
New Orleans Saints fourth-round offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright was selected in the 2026 NFL Draft at No. 132 overall. The former Auburn lineman was a two-way player in high school and changed from defensive line to offensive interior while at Auburn.
At 6-foot-5 and 331 pounds, he’s an imposing presence on the inside of the protection unit and has a lot of upside with his physical traits and tools.
The lineman visited with After Further Review host Matt Moscona for an exclusive interview on ESPN 104.5 Baton Rouge. During the interview, they two discussed his path to the draft, including his days as a baseball player, his first impressions of New Orleans and the draft experience.
During his first Zoom interview with the local media following his fourth-round selection in this year’s draft, Wright was visibly emotional. He explained the finer details of his emotion.
“To just get my name called on draft night, it was very special,” Wright said. “Very big for my city. Especially being from Salem, Alabama. Having the opportunity to go to Auburn and play and just become a great player. Now with one of my dreams being accomplished. You’re taking that next step and a lot of kids back at home look up to you and you’re like a role model. So, it’s just an inspiration, just keep going, never give up, keep the faith.”
Wright had both a top-30 visit with the Saints and also spent time with some of their coaching staff at this year’s Senior Bowl. Saints’ assistant head coach and running backs coach Joel Thomas led the American Team at the annual collegiate showcase, the same team on which Wright participated.
He said that connection made him feel a quick comfort with the Saints.
“We clicked from the first day out there,” Wright said of his and Thomas’ fast-budding relationship. “‘Cause me being able to go out there and set the tone of practice and seeing the energy that he brought and me being able to match that energy and bring everybody else along and just get practice going. We kind of already clicked.”
That chemistry is going to be important, as the fourth-round pick is looking at some development ahead of him. The first step to achieving that growth will be identifying where he can generate the biggest impact of improvement. For Wright, he already has a clear vision of exactly where that can be managed.
“Technique wise, just definitely in pass protection,” Wright, already a strong run protector, said. “But overall, I’ll just say being able to come in there, maintain whatever goals with body (composition) and everything that coach wants me to be. Getting that under control and being where I need to be at that point. And just go from there.”
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