Taliese Fuaga Could Be The Answer To A Major lssue Facing The New Orleans Saints Entering NFL Draft

Dealing with serious questions at both tackle positions, this Oregon State star could provide at least one answer.

Oregon State v Oregon / Brandon Sloter/GettyImages

This week's news that New Orleans Saints RT Ryan Ramczyk may not be ready for the start of the season and could even miss the entire year is a damaging blow to the team. This is just more bad news for a team that benched 2022 first-round pick Trevor Penning because of poor performance at left tackle and has not re-signed Andrus Peat.

Most expected the Saints to address the offensive line early in this year's draft. With Ramczyk's setback, this now seems all but sure to happen with their first round choice. New Orleans currently owns the 14th overall selection, but offensive tackle is considered the deepest position in this year's draft class. Here's a closer look at one of the top prospects at this spot.

1. Taliese Fuaga, OT (Oregon State) 6'6" 324-Lbs.

Oregon State v Oregon / Brandon Sloter/GettyImages

After standing out at Mount Tahoma High School in Washington, Fuaga jumped one state south to play collegiately at Oregon State. He was a reserve in his first two years but had earned a starting role going into 2022.

Between 2022 and 2023, Fuaga started all 25 games for the Beavers at right tackle. He'd earn 2nd Team All-Pac 12 accolades in 2022, then followed that up with All-American honors and a 1st Team All-Pac 12 selection last year.

Fuaga brings a formidable frame along with surprising agility for his size. Additionally, he plays with a nasty demeanor and is an outstanding finisher while being perhaps the most developed pass blocker in this year's draft class.

NFL Combine / Justin Casterline/GettyImages

Fuaga was not credited with giving up a sack in either of his two seasons as a starter. He has elite footwork and mirroring skills as a pass blocker, along with the power to overwhelm rushers. His vision, short-area quickness, and hand movements adequately combats speed rushers and counter moves.

As a run blocker, Fuaga fires off the line with powerful force. He gets to the second level of a defense quickly and leaves a path of destruction in his wake, opening clear lanes for running backs.
Fuaga can pop up a little high in his stance at the snap. This can allow defenders to gain an advantage in the initial leverage battle. He has just average arm length and can overextend himself, leaving him vulnerable to inside moves or an athletic rusher around the edge.

At this stage of his career, Fuaga is a highly technical pass protector but perhaps too reliant on his power as a run blocker. He may have some small struggles in the latter area early on, but that power and his natural footwork gives him immediate value with tremendous upside.

Notre Dame OT Joe Alt is expected to be the first offensive lineman drafted. After that, most expect Penn State LT Olumuyiwa Fashanu or Fuaga to come off the board next. With Penning's disappointing play and Ramczyk's knee, New Orleans has major questions at both tackle spots coming into the draft.

Taliese Fuaga has the all-around skills to be an immediate starter and upside of a Pro Bowl-caliber blocker. If he falls to New Orleans at 14, he would be slated as a long-term replacement for Ryan Ramczyk. He'd also be definitive answer to a huge immediate problem if Ramczyk is sidelined to start the season.