The Saints’ first round pick could be the day one left tackle.
The New Orleans Saints began OTAs earlier this week, and the media got an early look at the team on Thursday. During their viewing period, NOF reported that Kelvin Banks Jr. was the starting left tackle while Trevor Penning kicked inside to left guard. Taliese Fuaga also moved to right tackle after playing left tackle last season.
Starting look at OL (left to right): Kelvin Banks Jr., Trevor Penning, Erik McCoy, Cesar Ruiz, Taliese Fuaga
— John Hendrix (@JohnJHendrix) May 22, 2025
This move isn’t necessarily final, there could still be some changes and maybe they find out the Banks is better at guard and move Penning back to tackle, but from Kellen Moore’s post practice presser, it sounded like there’s a good chance this OL combination stays.
Moore told the media that they’re going to continue to toy around with their OL combination but also noted that continuity is very important when building an offensive line. He also said that he and some of his staff members have experience turning a tackle into a guard, like with Mekhi Becton last year, so they think they can make this a smooth transition for Penning, who already has some experience inside.
With Banks going to left tackle also pushes Taliese Fuaga back to right tackle, where he played in college. When Moore told Fuaga he’d be moving to right tackle, he simply responded with an “okay.” Moore also says he doesn’t believe there’s too much difference in playing right or left tackle, it’s something the media and fans make a bigger deal out of than it really is.
I’m sure there will be some days where Penning is at tackle just to make sure they’ve fully vetted all their options, but there’s a good chance the Saints’ starting OL looks something like this by the beginning of the year: Kelvin Banks (LT), Trevor Penning (LG), Eric McCoy (C), Cesar Ruiz (RG), Taliese Fuaga (RT).
Ultimately, I think this is the smartest decision. They drafted Banks to be a tackle, not a guard, so I think the best option is to start him there from day one, especially since they declined Penning’s fifth-year option, so there’s no telling if he’s in their long-term plans.
We’ll see if this combination sticks, but I personally think it’s the best choice for the long-term.