Saints Training Camp Preview: Offensive Tackle

While the New Orleans Saints continue to build their options along the offensive interior, the tackle position has many more familiar faces.

There have not been a ton of changes when it comes to the New Orleans Saints' offensive tackle depth chart. There were no notable departures at the position with long-time and young players settled into their spots. The biggest conversation at this position will be all about health and whether or not the Saints have found their left tackle of the future.

While there were no big losses at this spot over the offseason, the Saints did still bring in some new faces. This offseason they signed NFL veteran Storm Norton and undrafted free agent Scott Lashley who technically graduated a year before this cycle. Both will be able to compete for the role of backup or practice squad reserve member to help provide quality depth behind the starting line up. But ideally, the Saints are more than set with their starters in this group.

Heading into training camp, here is a look at where the offensive tackle stands:

Saints Training Camp Roster - OT

Jan 1, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New Orleans Saints offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk (71) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Ryan Ramczyk

Trevor Penning

James Hurst

Landon Young

Storm Norton

Scott Lashley*

(* = Rookie)

The Locks

Ramczyk is without a doubt the team's most reliable offensive lineman. Despite managing injury all throughout the season, the Saints' starting right tackle missed just the final game of the season in 2022 and was the only starting offensive lineman to not miss multiple games. He was also the team's highest-graded run blocker among qualifying blockers last year, per Pro Football Focus. Ramczyk is the player New Orleans cannot afford to lose outside of quarterback this upcoming year and as such, there is no question about his status as a starter and star on the roster.

Penning was one of the team's two first-round picks last year, but only started one game in Week 18. But that was not because of underperformance. Penning bookended his freshman year with foot injuries. A dislocated toe sidelined him for the first 12 games of the year and in the final week of the season he left the field with a lisfranc injury. Penning was present and working off the side during OTAs and minicamps, but was never a full participant. During the first day of training camp, Penning's participation will be keenly in focus. Can he stay healthy during his sophomore campaign? That is the question he will begin to answer as camp kicks off.

Hurst was the starter at left tackle in Penning's stead. With the firm assumption that Penning will reassume the starting role there in 2023, that leaves Hurst as the top backup for the unit. His starting experience across the NFL is invaluable and a big separator between him and the rest of the group. One could also assume that Hurst would be able to operate successfully as the Saints' sixth offensive lineman when they deploy their jumbo packages, a trend that is likely to continue this season. As one of the most experienced and valuable backups in the league, Hurst is an absolute lock moving into training camp.

Fighting for a Spot

Young was drafted by the Saints out of Kentucky back in 2021. His ability to play on both sides of the line is of undeniable value as is his collegiate experience facing SEC pass-rushers. Young is a highly intelligent player that knows ball. His above-the-shoulders-football quality is something the franchise loves along with his versatility. Those elements along with his familiarity in New Orelans's system could go a long way toward his success in camp as he fights to land again on the 53-man roster.

Norton has been in the NFL since 2017 spending his most notable time with the Los Angeles Chargers. He also made a stop in the XFL for the league's 2020 season. While his production in the league leaves a lot to be desired, a change of scenery and scheme could go a long way for him. If he can show consistency and reliability throughout camp, it could help him steal a roster spot with his fifth NFL squad.

Don't Forget

Lashley is an interesting case. This is technically his rookie season, but he graduated from Mississippi State in 2021. He started 31 games in college and the 6-foot-7, 315-pound tackle has the size to put it all together in the NFL. Lashley joined the Saints not through the traditional undrafted free agency pool, but instead he latched on with the team after getting an opportunity to show the Saints was he had during rookie minicamp. His signing indicates that New Orleans was impressed with his ability. Hopefully he can continue to impress throughout camp and earning himself at least a spot on the practice squad.