Offensive tackle in first round looks to be a strong possibility

O-line couldn’t protect or open holes last season.

NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Saints could have a hard time passing up a promising prospect at offensive tackle should one be available to them in the 2024 NFL draft.

New Orleans’ offensive line was among the club’s strengths for much of the past decade and a half. More recently, though, the unit has struggled with both health and performance.

Right tackle Ryan Ramczyk, a 2019 All-Pro who missed last season’s final four games with a nagging knee injury, has had surgery in an effort to prolong his NFL career. But his status for the 2024 season, which would be his eighth, remains unclear.

“I don’t know that I’m seeing as much progress as I was hoping,” Saints coach Dennis Allen said during the NFL owners meetings last month. “He just isn’t quite where I was probably hoping he’d be and really, quite frankly, where he was hoping he’d be.

“But, again, it’s a long time before we kick the ball off, so I wouldn’t jump to any conclusions right now.”

Even if Ramczyk’s prognosis improves, there are questions on the other side of the line.

Trevor Penning, a 2022 first-round draft choice, missed most of his rookie season with a foot injury before opening the 2023 season as the starting left tackle. But he was benched after six games.

A couple of top offensive tackle prospects could be available when the Saints are slated to make their first pick at 14th overall, including Washington’s Troy Fautanu and Alabama’s JC Latham.

Meanwhile, the Saints also struggled to run the ball last season, ranking in the bottom third of the NFL in yards rushing per game.

That’s why bolstering the blocking up front has become a priority in New Orleans — but not the only one.

Needs

Offensive line, wide receiver, defensive tackle, edge rusher

In addition to offensive linemen, the Saints could consider some of their defensive counterparts.

The Saints ranked 22nd against the run in 2023 and have lost defensive tackle Malcolm Roach, who left in free agency to join the Broncos. He is the third rotation tackle to leave in two years.

A highly skilled edge rusher could help, too. Veteran Cameron Jordan had just two sacks last season, the fewest since his rookie season and second-fewest in his career.

One of the Saints’ higher-profile free-agent acquisitions has been defensive end Chase Young, but he has yet to fulfill expectations because of injuries early in his career.

Don’t need

Safety, cornerback, running back

The Saints are in relatively good shape in the secondary.

Barring an attractive trade offer, the Saints appear content to retain high-paid veteran cornerback Marshon Lattimore. They also have Paulson Adebo and Alontae Taylor at that position, and both of them have earned high praise from Allen, who oversees the defense.

The Saints also appear solid at linebacker with Demario Davis returning to anchor a unit that includes 2021 second-round draft choice Pete Werner and recent free-agent signing Willie Gay.

Wish list

There’s hype surrounding Georgia tight end Brock Bowers, by far the best player available in this draft at his position.

Saints quarterback Derek Carr had success throwing to tight ends with his former team — the Raiders — and that position group underperformed in the receiving game last season.

If Bowers drops outside the top 10, he could present the Saints with an intriguing option.

Still, the situation along the offensive line is dire and could get even worse.

TYLER KAUFMAN/AP 2023 Saints right tackle Ryan Ramczyk (71) missed last season’s final four games with a nagging knee injury and had surgery in an effort to prolong his career. But his status for this season remains unclear.