The 2024 NFL Draft netted plenty of excitement for the New Orleans Saints. They grabbed a top offensive lineman in the class in round one.
Now, they are making an intriguing decision with former Oregon State RT Taliese Fuaga.
The Saints are reportedly trying Fuaga out at LT for some reps during rookie minicamp.
Dennis Allen discussed the move for Fuaga on Friday during his press conference.
The swap is not uncommon for the Saints. They moved Andrus Peat inside for most of his pro career before last year when he played tackle. He was an OT during his college days.
As for Cesar Ruiz, he had time at center and guard in college, but most of his reps have solely come at guard in the NFL due to Erik McCoy's presence on the Saints OL. Many expected him to play center in the pros, but guard has worked out better for him.
James Hurst played both guard and tackle at times as a veteran during his time with New Orleans. Don't forget that some scouts believed Ryan Ramczyk was a guard when he entered the league as well. The Saints clearly disagreed with that sentiment, and it has paid off.
All in all, the Saints have experience moving guys around on their offensive line.
“I don’t know, some say it’s like driving on the other side of the highway - you know what I’m saying?... It’s just getting used to it. That’s all I can say about that.”
-- Fuaga on the swap
Clearly, Fuaga knows he must knock rust off at LT if the team wants him to start there by the start of the season. That being said, remember that it is May.
New Orleans is smart to evaluate him at both tackle spots over a long period of time to judge where he best helps the rest of the OL.
Trevor Penning was drafted to be a left tackle, but he has plenty left to prove. If he can't lock down that role, then Fuaga may get the nod. We will see how the rest of camp shakes out along the Saints OL. Plenty of time and reps ahead.
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