4 New Orleans Saints with much to lose in 2022 NFL Draft

2. James Hurst

If the season started today, the Saints’ starting left tackle would more than likely be James Hurst. The team signed Hurst two years ago as a reserve offensive lineman and it turned out to be a great signing. The Saints knew that Terron Armstead struggled with injuries, so bringing a solid backup option at left tackle put them in a good position to succeed whenever Armstead did get banged up.

With Armstead out the door and off to the next chapter of his career, NOLA has to make finding their next left tackle a priority. They might end up being aggressive with their two first-round picks and try to move up to nab someone like Charles Cross or maybe they stand pat.

Standing pat could land them someone like Trevor Penning or if they wait a bit longer, Bernhard Raimann is an option for them as well.

No matter who the target is, Hurst has a lot to lose if that player is brought in to become the next starting left tackle. At least for him, there’s a solid chance he’d get to start in the first half of the season while the rookie gets up to speed.