ESPN analyst: Saints’ first-round NFL draft pick is ‘a great way to start a rebuild’

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ESPN’s Matt Miller sees the New Orleans Saints drafting Kelvin Banks Jr. as “a great way to start a rebuild” under first-year head coach Kellen Moore. Typically, quarterback is how you would like to start a rebuild, but there are many analysts who believe there wasn’t a quarterback worth drafting at that position. The way the draft unfolded would suggest teams felt the same way.

Offensive tackle is the next-best route. It’s one of three premier positions on offense. The Saints drafted Taliese Fuaga last year, and this pairing should give them their offensive tackle duo of the future. Many will mention Trevor Penning, but the truth is there was never widespread public belief in Penning. When the Saints drafted him in 2022, it felt like they drafted for need and not because of the player. He was a raw player who was viewed as a developmental project, and that development has happened slowly.

There’s a confidence in Banks, the prospect, that didn’t exist with Penning, and Miller’s comments reflect that sentiment. The biggest questions that come with the Banks selection are, what happens to Penning and who plays left tackle. Miller gave his answer to the latter. Miller’s vision is Banks plays left tackle and Fuaga moves over to the right. The combination of the two gives New Orleans a solidified tackle tandem Miller believes is a strong first step in the Saints’ rebuild.

Hesitancy around moving Fuaga after a strong rookie season is warranted, but the concern level should be low because he played right tackle in college. There was confusion on why he was switching to left tackle as a rookie. The “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality could be applied here, but this is essentially Fuaga moving to his natural position. It also feels like the smartest move to make.

Fuaga’s move to left tackle paid off, but it was risky. Banks Jr. is a natural left tackle, and a switch to the right side may not be as seamless for him. There isn’t much reason to believe Fuaga can’t work on the right side of the offensive line. While it would be a change, it would allow both players to be at their natural positions. It appears New Orleans hit on Fuaga. If they can hit on this pick as well, Fuaga and Banks will provide the Saints with stability on the edge. For a team that wants to build their team from the inside out, this is a dream scenario.



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