Taliese Fuaga receives special recognition after first preseason game with Saints

In the 2024 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints used the 14th-overall pick to select Taliese Fuaga. A right tackle at Oregon State, the Saints selected him with the plan to immediately start him at left tackle— one of the most challenging and important positions in football.

Despite the fact Fuaga is a rookie, switching from right to left tackle, New Orleans was confident the young man it drafted was built for the challenge. So far, the franchise seems to be right. Fuaga has had a strong offseason, an impressive camp, and now he’s having a promising preseason.

The rookie lineman went out as the starting left tackle in the Saints’ preseason win against the Arizona Cardinals, and fans were encouraged with his performance. Fans weren’t the only ones who liked what they saw. Former NFL offensive lineman, and current analyst, Brian Baldinger was impressed with Fuaga’s first action. He detailed why in one of his famous Baldy Breakdowns.

Brian Baldinger praises Taliese Fuaga after preseason debut

Baldinger said Fuaga is off to a great start, pointing out how he’s already flashing the tools that made him an elite prospect coming out of college. Highlighting three different plays, Baldinger broke down how Fuaga is powerful as a run blocker but strong and technical as a pass blocker.

Of course, it was only one game with limited snaps, but the first-round tackle is on the right trajectory. Unfortunately, Fuaga won't be able to solve all of New Orleans’ offensive line problems by himself. In the same preseason game where he impressed, Trevor Penning, over at right tackle, caused a lot of concern.

It’s still early in the offseason, so hopefully the Saints will be able to figure things out at right tackle— and left guard which is still an open spot. While the team works on those two positions, it’ll be comforting that left tackle is no longer a concern.

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