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Last season, the New Orleans Saints' offensive line went through their fair share of trials and tribulations. Injuries ran rampant, and even though the Saints felt like they were getting much closer to a complete group, issues persisted. If it wasn't for rookie Kelvin Banks Jr., the Saints' offensive line would have been in a much worse spot. This is happening again in 2026 when the team, Tyler Shough, and Kellen Moore are all trying to improve would spell disaster for New Orleans. The Saints clearly knew this, and they went out this offseason to make massive upgrades on the offensive line.
Although there was only one move to upgrade the starting unit, it was a significant one. In Free Agency, the Saints signed veteran LG David Edwards. Edwards was an extremely important member of the Buffalo Bills and really helped star QB Josh Allen get to such a high level. That was the last spot on the offensive line that needed a starter, but aside from that, the Saints' other moves focused on the future and depth.
One of those moves was selecting Jeremiah Wright in the draft. Before the draft, Wright was linked heavily with the Saints, and the pick seemed like it was bound to happen. He is a developmental prospect with high potential, but has only played one position on the offensive line throughout his college career. That is at RG, and he is the likely long-term option. Because if this new addition, this may affect another developmental prospect on the roster: Torricelli Simpkins III.
Simpkins was signed to the Saints as a UDFA last season on a three-year deal, and he was one of the surprises of training camp. The coaching staff spoke very highly of the young player, and although it was clear Simpkins was going to be a project, the potential was there. During the regular season, Simpkins had moments where he had to come in and hold down the blocking when Cesar Ruiz went down with an injury. Simpkins also played in other areas of the offensive line. For a developmental rookie, Simpkins had some bright moments that showed what he could bring to the future, but that may not happen at RG.
As I mentioned, Wright is expected to be the long-term option at RG, so that means Simpkins has to move somewhere else. LG would make sense given Edwards's age, but he is likely to be the starter for four years. That leaves center, and Simpkins had some plays there last season. With Erik McCoy’s injuries, his future is more up in the air than it was in previous years. This opens up a path for Simpkins to become a long-term starter, but for now, he can come in if McCoy gets injured.
Continue reading...
Although there was only one move to upgrade the starting unit, it was a significant one. In Free Agency, the Saints signed veteran LG David Edwards. Edwards was an extremely important member of the Buffalo Bills and really helped star QB Josh Allen get to such a high level. That was the last spot on the offensive line that needed a starter, but aside from that, the Saints' other moves focused on the future and depth.
One of those moves was selecting Jeremiah Wright in the draft. Before the draft, Wright was linked heavily with the Saints, and the pick seemed like it was bound to happen. He is a developmental prospect with high potential, but has only played one position on the offensive line throughout his college career. That is at RG, and he is the likely long-term option. Because if this new addition, this may affect another developmental prospect on the roster: Torricelli Simpkins III.
Simpkins was signed to the Saints as a UDFA last season on a three-year deal, and he was one of the surprises of training camp. The coaching staff spoke very highly of the young player, and although it was clear Simpkins was going to be a project, the potential was there. During the regular season, Simpkins had moments where he had to come in and hold down the blocking when Cesar Ruiz went down with an injury. Simpkins also played in other areas of the offensive line. For a developmental rookie, Simpkins had some bright moments that showed what he could bring to the future, but that may not happen at RG.
As I mentioned, Wright is expected to be the long-term option at RG, so that means Simpkins has to move somewhere else. LG would make sense given Edwards's age, but he is likely to be the starter for four years. That leaves center, and Simpkins had some plays there last season. With Erik McCoy’s injuries, his future is more up in the air than it was in previous years. This opens up a path for Simpkins to become a long-term starter, but for now, he can come in if McCoy gets injured.
Continue reading...
