Learning from history: How have former first-round offensive linemen performed for New Orleans?

New Orleans has drafted five first-round offensive linemen since 2005.

The New Orleans Saints clearly need to better the offensive line in 2024.

With expert mock drafts pouring in as the NFL Draft looms near, many analysts have the Saints taking an offensive lineman. Let’s review how former first-round offensive linemen have fared in New Orleans.

Trevor Penning (2022)

Pick: 19

College: Northern Iowa

Carson’s Grade: D

Penning has struggled to find his path since arriving in New Orleans in 2022, which is partially due to injuries. He played in all 17 games last season but only started in five of them. The Saints took a gamble with Penning, and currently, it’s not paying off.

Cesar Ruiz (2020)

Pick: 24

College: Center

Carson’s Grade: B

Ruiz may be the most consistently healthy member of the offensive line. He has started in 47 out of the 51 games since 2021. His versatility to play multiple interior positions has been a great weapon, but his outright performance occasionally comes into question. He should be a major element of the offensive line once again this season.

Ryan Ramczyk (2017)

Pick: 32

College: Wisconsin

Carson’s Grade: A

Ramcyzk has been one the highest-performing offensive linemen in franchise history. He started all 16 games in 2017 and has been an anchor of the line since. His injury concerns for next season further emphasize the need to find the next Ramczyk as he enters an unpredictable era of his career.

Andrus Peat (2015)

Pick: 13

College: Stanford

Carson’s Grade: B-

Peat’s career has been a confusing one. The nine-year veteran made three consecutive Pro Bowls (2018-2020) but has been inconsistent since Drew Brees’ departure. The Saints failed to negotiate another contract with Peat after he was demoted to the third-string offensive line last season.

Jamaal Brown (2005)

Pick: 13

College: Oklahoma

Carson’s Grade: A-

Brown was integral to the early-Brees era offensive line. He was selected to the NFL Pro Bowl in both 2006 and 2008. Although he was traded in 2010 after a torn ACL in 2009, Brown had a successful, yet brief tenure in New Orleans.