Saints: PFF names New Orleans' biggest X-Factor for 2023
The New Orleans Saints will have plenty of new additions to the starting lineup this season. Between young impact talent on the defensive line and veterans adds on offense, there's plenty to be excited about for New Orleans. In a weak NFC South, they can contend for a division crown and make waves in the […]
The New Orleans Saints will have plenty of new additions to the starting lineup this season. Between young impact talent on the defensive line and veterans adds on offense, there's plenty to be excited about for New Orleans. In a weak NFC South, they can contend for a division crown and make waves in the playoffs.
Pro Football Focus believes that one player may make a massive difference for the Saints on offense this season, though.
That would be second-year offensive lineman Trevor Penning.
The jury is still out on Penning after he played just 124 snaps in his rookie season. He showed flashes of his natural aggressiveness, posting an 80.2 run-blocking grade. His 38.7 pass-blocking grade is ugly, but it rises to 56.2 if you discard an ugly first appearance against San Francisco. Penning has talent and could change the look of this offensive line if he holds up well in pass protection. He’ll have to compete with James Hurst (63.2 overall), but the opportunity is there for the taking.
Penning should be the starter week 1 if all goes to plan for he and the Saints. New Orleans did not trade draft capital for Penning for him to not be their starting OT by his second season. Injuries certainly derailed plans a season ago, but it is 'go time' for the young offensive lineman now.
If Penning can develop and succeed this year, the Saints offensive line doesn't have many weaknesses as a starting unit or with their depth.
