B/R's harsh grade for Saints rookie Taliese Fuaga needs to be higher

The New Orleans Saints need to start hitting on their NFL Draft picks in the next few years, as the oncoming salary crunch will make it difficult for them to keep adding veteran talent in free agency. Mickey Loomis tried to attack his offensive line in 2024, selecting Oregon State bulldozer Taliese Fuaga at No. 14 overall.

The Saints immediately made a very odd decision with Fuaga, who played right tackle with the Beavers. Fuaga was soon transitioned over to the left tackle spot, while former first-rounder and (to this point) bust Trevor Penning was filling Ryan Ramczyk's old spot on the right side of the line.

Bleacher Report's 2024 NFL Draft report card doesn't seem too encouraged by what the rookie has put on tape this season, as they gave Fuaga a C grade, which seems tough considering how much he has improved. Perhaps the graders haven't taken a hard look at how Fuaga has gotten better in the last few weeks.

B/R gives Saints rookie Taliese Fuaga unfairly tough grade for 2024 season

Fuaga has been penalized six times and given up five sacks this season while allowing 27 pressures. However, his quarterbacks have been two youngsters in Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener, along with an immobile veteran in Derek Carr. Those three aren't great at evading sacks.

While Fuaga struggled during the beginning of the season, he has since turned it around and looked much better. He allowed zero pressures against the Rams and held up well against the Browns. Penning, meanwhile, has looked much better at right tackle than he did before.

No matter who ends up under center in 2025, the Saints will keep their tradition of strong offensive lines alive and well. When healthy, Erik McCoy and Cesar Ruiz have been solid players on the interior. Fuaga's raw strength is helping him adjust to life in the pros as he works on the finer parts of his game.

The Saints don't have a ton to write home about this season, and the future could be tough due to the lack of financial flexibility. However, Fuaga looks like a player who could eventually be a long-term starter for a team that does turn it around, which is another positive box Loomis can check.