4 options at tackle the Saints must look at in the draft with pick 14
Offensive tackle is emerging as a bigger need for the New Orleans Saints in the NFL Draft. Here are four options for the team to choose from in the first round.
For the New Orleans Saints, offensive tackle is a position that must be addressed early in the NFL Draft. Andrus Peat, who started most of last season at left tackle, is currently a free agent, and Ryan Ramczyk, New Orleans’ longtime right tackle, is dealing with a knee injury that could keep him sidelined.
That all means that the Saints need to select a tackle in the 2024 NFL Draft— ideally in the first round. They are fortunate that this year’s draft class yields elite talent at that position. At pick 14, multiple options would instantly improve their offensive line. Here are four of the most intriguing tackle options for New Orleans.
4. Saints should consider Olumuyiwa Fashanu
Olumuyiwa Fashanu is a prospect that NFL Draft experts are in love with. He is regarded as one of the most NFL-ready prospects while only being 21 years old. Fashanu pairs elite athleticism with amazing footwork and foot speed. He is extremely quick and uses it to his advantage to get in front of opposing defenders.
In 722 total snaps at Penn State this past year, Fashanu didn’t allow a single sack or a hit on the quarterback. Even with the high level of competition at Penn State, Fashanu held up strong and eliminated the opposing pass rush.
Some Saints fans are scared about taking an offensive tackle early from the pick of Trevor Penning. The difference between him and Fashanu is that Penning needed a lot more development while Fashanu is a developed player who has a high floor and an extremely high ceiling.
Fashanu can struggle with a high pad level at times. It is improved from 2022 but he still needs to work on it to be successful at the NFL level. He should improve on this with reps and coaching. Ultimately, Olumuyiwa Fashanu is a prospect who if available at 14, would be an amazing selection for the Saints. He could fill in a role that is necessary for the Saints to fill.