How the Saints 53-man roster might shape up after the 2022 NFL Draft
By Najy Masri
Offensive Line
Trevor Penning, Andrus Peat, Eric McCoy, Cesar Ruiz, Ryan Ramczyk, James Hurst, Calvin Throckmorton, Landon Young
The first round selection of Trevor Penning provides the Saints with a long term replacement for Terron Armstead. Depending on his preseason performance, don’t be surprised to see James Hurst start the year at left tackle with Penning taking over the swing tackle role early in the season.
Unfortunately, injuries are a known issue among the offensive line and Hurst can be moved inside if needed to allow Penning to ultimately start. NOLA has known commodities in Ramczyk and McCoy but this will be the final test for underwhelming third-year player Cesar Ruiz.
Defensive Line
Cam Jordan, David Onyemata, Shy Tuttle, Marcus Davenport, Payton Turner, Tanoh Kpassagnon, Carl Granderson, Kentavius Street, Jordan Jackson, Albert Huggins
The Saints apparently loved Jordan Davis in this year’s NFL draft as a massive run defender next to David Onyemata. Expect this to be the other position the Saints address in free agency to bring in a veteran presence at defensive tackle to replace either Huggins or Malcolm Roach. Possibilities include Larry Ogunjobi, Sheldon Richardson, Eddie Goldman, or even versatile former Saint Akiem Hicks.
The rotation at defensive end is impressive with Jordan and contract-year Marcus Davenport as well as Tanoh Kpassagnon and last year’s first round pick Payton Turner, who is coming off an injury-plagued rookie season.