Saints Counting on Fast Development of Trevor Penning

After basically redshirting his rookie year, here's why the rapid development of Trevor Penning is crucial to New Orleans success in 2023.

Offensive line has long been a draft focus for the New Orleans Saints. The Saints have selected an offensive lineman in 11 of the last 12 years, including one in each of the last seven drafts. Eight of the 13 linemen they've drafted over that time were drafted in the fourth round or earlier, with five of them coming in the first two rounds. 

One of those players was a first-round choice in 2022 that came in with the high expectations of replacing departed Pro Bowler Terron Armstead. Instead, injuries basically forced a redshirt year, but haven't changed the expectations as he enters his second season. 

OT - Trevor Penning 

New Orleans Saints offensive tackle Trevor Penning (70). Credit: Sports Illustrated/USA TODAY NETWORK 

The second of the Saints' two first-round picks, Penning was the 19th overall choice and fourth tackle selected. Wideout Chris Olave, the Saints first pick last season at Number 11 overall, had a fabulous rookie year. Olave led the team with 72 receptions for 1,042 yards, becoming just third player in franchise history to have over 1,000 yards receiving as a rookie. Penning would have a decidedly less productive debut. 

A raw but extremely physical prospect out of Northern Iowa, one concern over Penning was how quickly he'd adapt to the jump up in competition. While his inexperience showed, he still improved rapidly through training camp and was competing to take over for Armstead at left tackle. Unfortunately, Penning suffered an injury to his left foot in the preseason finale. It was an injury that required surgery and kept him sidelined for the first 11 games of the year.

Without their prized rookie, New Orleans was forced to use veteran James Hurst at left tackle. A reliable and versatile blocker, Hurst was more than serviceable at the spot. However, he's also a little better suited as an interior blocker.

Penning saw his first action as a rookie in Week 12 against San Francisco, but played just six snaps. Over the next five games, he was used as an extra lineman in short yardage and goal line packages. Penning played a total of 66 offensive snaps over those five weeks. 

Eliminated from playoff contention going into their season finale against Carolina, the Saints gave Penning his first career start. He played well, helping New Orleans to over 140 yards on the ground and allowing only one sack. Unfortunately, Penning went down late in the game with a LisFranc injury to his right foot.

Penning's latest setback would keep him out of on-field activities for the last few months. However, he's tentatively cleared to resume full practices in June and will almost certainly be ready for training camp in late July.

Now penciled in as the starter at left tackle, Penning must still fend off a challenge from the more experienced Hurst. The Saints are counting on an immediate return on their investment. They'd love to use Hurst as their sixth lineman and primary interior backup to often injured G Andrus Peat and Cesar Ruiz, who is recovering from his own foot injury. 

At 6'7" and 321-Lbs., Penning is a mauler in the running game. This is something he definitely showed during the little game action he got last season. However, his inexperience in pass protection was also very much on display. 

November 27, 2022; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa (97) rushes against New Orleans Saints tackle Trevor Penning (70). Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The 24-year-old Penning has nimble feet and good agility for his size, so has the physical tools to excel as a pass blocker. Quality reps will be extremely important for him through training camp and preseason to reduce the growing pains once the regular season starts.

New Orleans is banking that reps are all that Penning will need to develop into a stud at left tackle. The success of their offensive line, and of a jump in the standings, during the 2023-24 season depends on it.