The New Orleans Saints picked up their biggest addition to the offense of the offseason in the first round of the NFL draft by selecting Taliese Fuaga. Yes, that is a double entendre.
The Saints needed to address offensive tackle coming into the draft. When the Las Vegas Raiders selected Brock Bowers, that took the temptation of picking a playmaker down a few notches. Who knows if it forced the Saints hand or not, but it did set them up to make the right pick.
Fuaga comes out of Oregon State with a good blend of athleticism and power. This allows him to make a strong initial move and also react to counter moves from defensive ends. His mean streak on the field is best showcased when he’s able to move and deliver contact with a full head of steam.
The rookie out steps into a scheme he’s familiar with from his collegiate career. Oregon State running a wide zone-heavy run scheme will help Fuaga get acclimated to Klint Kubiak’s scheme quicker. He’s been moved to left tackle after being a career right tackle in college. Reports have been positive thus far, but it’s difficult to truly judge a rookie offensive lineman before the pads are strapped on at training camp.
If he can deliver upon his promise, New Orleans just drafted a cornerstone at a premier position in the NFL.
