The offensive line for the New Orleans Saints was a source of inconsistency last season. At times, it dominated in the running game. Other times, they could not keep rushers off of whoever was playing quarterback. 

OL will be a piece of their roster that may be addressed early in the 2025 NFL Draft for New Orleans. 

Lucas Patrick is a player who may be replaceable entering next season. When healthy, he was normally a starter at guard this past season for the Saints. It wasn't a great campaign for him, though, as he earned a 60.3 pass blocking grade via PFF last season. 

Both he and Cesar Ruiz had their woes at times, and both have had injury concerns in recent years. Accordingly, the need at interior offensive line for the Saints may be more notable than many folks think at the surface. 

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3 names to know

The draft team at A to Z Sports recently updated their positional rankings for the interior OL prospects. Three names stand out to me as day two players that may interest the Saints. 

Tate Ratledge, Georgia

Tate Ratledge is one of the better pure guards in the class with textbook fundamentals and a stout yet lengthy frame at over 6-6 and 310 pounds. If not for a long injury history, he would likely push Tyler Booker for the top spot. — Rob Gregson

Ratledge is the most "plug and play" option here. He could start at guard for the Saints next season if needed, and I think he could have success next to Erik McCoy. 

Donovan Jackson, Ohio State

The first of two Buckeyes on our list, Donovan Jackson boasts an impressive profile thanks to his football intelligence and athletic movements at over 320 pounds. Cleaning up some technical flaws could have him as a starting guard for years to come. — Rob Gregson

Jackson has been a rollercoaster of an evaluation as a prospect. He spent time at nearly every position along the OL for the Buckeyes and flashed really impressive technique everywhere he went. The rollercoaster was a fun one, in this case, but it was just unpredictable due to his versatility. 

Grey Zabel, North Dakota State

A versatile blocker with experience at both guard and center, Zabel projects to be a do-it-all swing player in the NFL, with a potential starter upside. Don't be surprised if he sticks for a while in the league. — Rob Gregson

Zabel will need a bit of time to transition, but his performance at the Senior Bowl proved that he can hang with the "big dogs" on the DL in this class for the most part. I'd expect him to go in round two, and he could be on New Orleans' radar. 

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The Saints have to find depth for their offseason line this offseason. Day two of the draft may provide the best value for that need. 

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