Saints Draft: Grading first-round selection of Trevor Penning
The New Orleans Saints had two picks in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft and they spent that second pick, which came at 19 overall, on offensive tackle Trevor Penning out of Northern Iowa.
Entering this draft, one of the biggest needs for NOLA was at left tackle due to Terron Armstead signing with the Dolphins in free agency. Wide receiver was another big need and that’s why the Saints were aggressive in adding Chris Olave earlier in the first round.
The selection of Penning, however, was one that made sense for New Orleans, especially considering the three best tackles were off the board before the Saints could even dream about them in the black and gold.
Penning might have played at a smaller school but the guy is a mauler on the o-line and he’s the kind of guy that could do well in the Big Easy.
Here's a Dennis Allen quote on Trevor Penning's aggressive mentality: "If a puppy doesn't bite when he's young, he's not going to bite when he grows up. ... I'd rather pull the reins back." #Saints
— Jeff Nowak (@Jeff_Nowak) April 29, 2022
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
What grade do the Saints deserve for their selection of Trevor Penning?
One thing to evaluate here is if the pick filled a position of need and in this case, it did.
Armstead’s departure meant that NOLA had a vacancy at left tackle that, prior to this move, would have been filled by James Hurst. Maybe Hurst still starts at left tackle while Penning develops but this move gives New Orleans another option.
Dennis Allen on Penning: "He's going to be able to come in, he's going to be able to compete, and there's a lot of development with any rookie that you draft. I don't care if you draft the first pick or the last pick."
— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) April 29, 2022
The addition of Penning means that the Saints now have more options as far as their left tackle position is concerned. Maybe he doesn’t start immediately but they at least have an answer for who could start on that side of the line down the road.
With all of this in mind, what grade does the Trevor Penning pick deserve? I’ll give it a B+.
The Saints needed a left tackle and they got one but there are definitely going to be some question marks surrounding Penning and if he can be the guy at left tackle.
"3 New Orleans Saints who will shock fans in 2022"
What grade are you giving this pick?