As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, many analysts believe that the New Orleans Saints will select an offensive tackle with the 14th-overall pick. With Ryan Ramczyk’s knee injury, Andrus Peat’s pending free agency, and Trevor Penning’s underwhelming development, it’s time for the Saints to invest in the offensive tackle position.
Fortunately for New Orleans, and other tackle-needy teams, this is an extremely talented and deep tackle class. That was on display at the 2024 scouting combine. Several of the top offensive tackles went to Indianapolis and put on a show. How do the top tackle prospects compare to each other after a day of testing?
Let’s go through what the tackle rankings should look like for New Orleans following the Combine.
1. Joe Alt - Notre Dame
Notre Dame producing another top offensive lineman shouldn’t surprise anyone. With dominant linemen like Quenton Nelson and Zack Martin already thriving in the league, Joe Alt is expected to be the next Fighting Irish offensive linemen to exceed in the NFL.
Alt showed up to the combine at 6-foot-9, 321 pounds. He ran a 5.05 40-yard dash, had a 28-inch vertical jump, a 9-foot-4 broad jump, and competed 27 reps of the 225-pound bench press. It couldn’t have been a better weekend for who many consider the top tackle prospect.
Considering that he is the top tackle prospect, the chances of him landing with the Saints are incredibly slim. Alt will likely go in the top five, definitely the top 10. New Orleans isn’t on the clock until pick 14. Barring a trade up, Alt will be off the board before the Saints are on the clock.
2. Olumuyiwa Fashanu - Penn State
A tackle that could be available for New Orleans is Penn State’s Olumuyiwa Fashanu. Fashanu’s time at the combine was a bit rocky. While posting good numbers, his day was cut short after sustaining a thigh injury. However, Fashanu said he expects to participate at Penn State’s pro day on March 14, so the injury isn’t severe.
As far as his numbers, Fashanu measured in at 6-foot-6, 312 pounds. He ran a 5.11 40-yard dash, had a 32-inch vertical jump, and a 9-foot-1 broad jump. He showed everyone that he’s in great shape at his size and is also a phenomenal mover.
That echoes what’s displayed on Fashanu’s tape. A quality pass protector that is just as dominant in the run game. Based on his time at Penn State, some are comfortable arguing that he’s an even better prospect than Joe Alt. If he isn’t the No. 1 tackle selected, Fashanu will have the chance to be in range to end up with the New Orleans Saints.
3. Taliese Fuaga - Oregon State
The tackle that is most commonly mocked to the Saints is Oregon State’s Taliese Fuaga. If Joe Alt and Olumuyiwa Fashanu fly off the board in the top 10, Fuaga should be available for the Saints to select at No. 14. Fortunately for New Orleans, Fuaga is still an elite prospect, even if he is ultimately the third tackle taken.
At the Combine, Taliese Fuaga measured in at 6-foot-6, 324 pounds. He ran a 5.13 40-yard dash, recorded a 32-inch vertical jump, and a 9-foot-3 broad jump. Fuaga also moved well in the on-field drills and didn’t give any reason to doubt that he’s one of the top offensive tackles in the class.
Drawing comparisons to Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker, Fuaga may be the most realistic option for the Saints if they actually want a tackle at No. 14. If the tackles fly off the board like some analysts are predicting, New Orleans may even have to jump up a couple of spots to snag Fuaga.
4. J.C. Latham - Alabama
Is there ever a draft without a top lineman from Alabama? J.C. Latham is carrying the torch from the Tide in the 2024 class. A two-year starter at Alabama, Latham is expected to go later in the first round. He showed at the combine why he could be a day-one starter for multiple teams.
Latham measured in at 6-foot-6, 342 pounds. However, he decided not to do any of the tests, participating only in the on-field drills. Things went as expected: Latham showcased good footwork and moved well for his size. He could definitely help New Orleans’ run game get back on track.
5. Amarius Mims - Georgia
Amarius Mims was one of the prospects that really stole the show, running a 5.07 40-yard dash at 6-foot-8, 340 pounds. Unfortunately, Mims did suffer a hamstring strain. However, he’s hoping to be ready for Georgia’s pro day on March 13 so that he can continue to impress teams.