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Saints training camp preview: Offensive tackle duo must meet potential
In three out of four drafts between 2022 and 2025, the New Orleans Saints selected an offensive tackle in the first round. The 2022 choice of Trevor Penning was an abject disaster. With the Penning pick a failure and Ryan Ramczyk, a first-round pick in 2017, headed towards retirement because of health, the Saints were forced to spend back-to-back first-round picks in 2024 and 2025 on two offensive tackles.
New Orleans looks like they hit big with both selections. Taliese Fuaga (2024, 14th overall) and Kelvin Banks Jr. (2025, 9th overall) have each shown All-Pro potential. As the Saints try to rebuild their offense, having two formidable tackles is a great foundation. Our training camp previews continue by looking at the Saints offensive tackle spot.
On the Roster: Kelvin Banks Jr., Taliese Fuaga, Asim Richards, Barry Wesley, Xavier Truss, Alan Herron (rookie), Alex Wollschlaeger (rookie)
Offseason losses: Landon Young
Offseason additions: Herron, Wollschlaeger
Banks was the third tackle chosen in the 2025 NFL Draft, but was arguably the top lineman in terms of performance. He started every game, appearing in 95% of the offensive snaps and earning a spot on the All-Rookie Team. Banks played like a seasoned star at left tackle, often silencing the league's top pass rushers one-on-one and showing dominance as a run blocker.
Fuaga had a superb 2024 rookie campaign at left tackle before moving to the right side after the drafting of Banks. Right tackle was Fuaga's natural position in college, where he was a 1st Team All-American. After the switch with the Saints, he struggled most of the year with injuries. Fuaga started 13 games, but was hampered by ankle, knee, and back issues. Now healthy, expect Fuaga to again be a top-level blocker.
When Fuaga missed four games and half of another, Asim Richards stepped in his place. Picked up in a preseason trade, Richards played adequately in place of Fuaga. However, the drop-off was clear on an offense in need of every possible advantage. Richards will face some competition for that important third tackle spot in training camp.Xavier Truss and Barry Wesley both spent the majority of 2025 on the New Orleans practice squad. Each are also capable of taking some reps at guard, giving them vital versatility in training camp battles. Also factors are undrafted rookies Alan Herron and Alex Wollschlaeger.
New Orleans has a potentially elite tandem of tackles with Banks and Fuaga. They are a terrific foundation for the rebuilding offense, but their ability to stay healthy is critical. The competition for the third tackle job and the rest of the depth chart will be worth monitoring closely through training camp.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Saints training camp preview: Offensive tackle duo must meet potential
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