1 bold prediction for each of the Saints draft picks in 2022
By TJAY Jones
First-round pick Trevor Penning will make the Pro Bowl
When the Saints drafted Northern Iowa offensive tackle Trevor Penning with the 19th pick, they understood he is a player who has a bit of a mean streak but also has unlimited potential.
Penning has big shoes to fill. He is replacing one of the best left tackles in the NFL in Terron Armstead, but the opportunity will not be overwhelming for him. Like Ryan Ramczyk replacing Zach Strief or Erik McCoy replacing Max Unger, I expect Penning to be just as solid as those guys were coming into the league.
At Northern Iowa, Penning was one of the most consistent offensive linemen in the nation. According to Pro Football Focus, he earned a grade of 90 in nine out of his 12 games played, and in 773 snaps, he only allowed one sack. His overall grade was 97.3. Some might say he was a big fish in a little pond, but the same was said about Terron Armstead, who attended Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
This offseason the Saints hired coach Doug Marrone to be in charge of the offensive line. When it comes to developing offensive linemen Marrone is one of the best in the game. He should be able to help Penning work on the little things that will make him a force. I look for Penning to play well in his rookie season and receive an invite to the Pro Bowl.