The New Orleans Saints are entering the 2025 season with more questions than answers on offense — and it all starts in the trenches. With a young quarterback under center and a reshuffled offensive line ahead of him, the Saints’ offensive stability is hanging in the balance.
Young Line + Young QB = Risky Combination
Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine didn’t hold back in his recent analysis of the Saints’ outlook. He warned that while youth can build a promising future, it can also spell disaster if development doesn’t happen quickly enough.
> “Having a young offensive line in front of a young quarterback can be the foundation for a strong future,” Ballentine wrote. “It can also be an unmitigated disaster.”
And he’s not wrong.
Only two linemen — Erik McCoy and Cesar Ruiz — will remain in their original positions. The rest are adjusting on the fly. Trevor Penning, who played right tackle in 2024, is shifting inside. Meanwhile, rookie Taliese Fuaga returns to his college position at right tackle. It’s a lot of change — and it has to gel fast.
Kelvin Banks Is a Bright Spot, But Still Unproven
One reason for optimism is first-round pick Kelvin Banks. Though a rookie, Banks is no stranger to elite-level football. Over three seasons at Texas, he played nearly 2,800 snaps at left tackle, giving up only four sacks while battling top-tier Big 12 and SEC defenses.
Banks brings athleticism, strength, and an aggressive run-blocking mindset. Concerns about his arm length didn’t faze new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, and Banks is expected to be a day-one impact player. But even the most talented rookies need time to adjust — especially when anchoring a shifting offensive line.
QB Room Has to Prove Itself Under Pressure
At quarterback, Tyler Shough is currently leading the race. But there’s a red flag: his college film shows consistent struggles when pressured. That could be a huge issue if the offensive line doesn’t hold up early.
Spencer Rattler is the other option. Though he showed flashes in limited time, Rattler also faltered when blitzed or hurried. Per Pro Football Focus, his completion rate dropped drastically — from 62.5% to just 44.1% — when under pressure.
Bottom line: if the protection breaks down, it won’t matter who’s under center.
Saints Can’t Afford to Let Protection Be the Problem
The 2025 season hinges on how quickly the Saints’ offensive line can come together. The talent is there — but the inexperience and constant reshuffling could easily turn potential into panic.
If the line collapses, it won’t just disrupt the offense — it could derail the entire season. The margin for error is razor thin, and New Orleans can’t afford to gamble on instability in the trenches.
