OTAs Week 1’s Practice Notes & Highlights: Trevor Penning moving to Right Tackle (1 Viewer)

[Day1]

...and Cooper was a converted DL.

 

[ELLIASJWILLIAMS]

I didn't hear that from Benton in his interview. He stated that they were planning on Penning at RT before the draft and decided to stick with it after drafting Fuaga. He also pointed out with their scheme they needed athletic linemen in both spots. He concluded that Penning needed a fresh start. Also Ramczyk is doubtful and likely out for the year.

All of this point to these positions running into the season as they are currently assigned.

SFIAH

Benton word for word said "The intention even before drafting Fuaga was to play Penning at RT" Pay no mind to the people in denial that can't accept that the Saints are moving forward with that. It's funny, while looking up twitter post. I noticed there were two trains of thought when looking at quotes.

You had some direct quotes that would say "Saints are moving forward with Fuaga at LT" and then you'd have some that would say "Saints have Fuaga at LT but are cross training all olineman" One gives you the essence that they are moving forward with the decision, the other gives you the feeling that they are experimenting...and I hated it.

If you listen to the audio yourself you can tell these moves are set in stone unless the players prove they cant and so far Alllen said "they like what they've seen"

 

[Mamba]

I’m old enough to remember when most olineman drafted early spent two to three years on the bench before being asked to start. There were very few players that came in to the league and started, Willie Roaf for example was an exception. I think olineman need time to develop.

That must go back a LONG time ago. Every OL we’ve drafted in the first round since I can remember following the Saints (mid 80s) started their first season. Roaf, Naole*, Turley, Jammal Brown, etc.

*Naole got injured in camp, but started as soon as he was available in year 2

 

[CajunSaint08]

If Penning is moved to guard and becomes one of the most dominant guards ever to play for the Saints, would he be considered a bust? I would say no. I would think he was a great draft pick. So why are the Saints trying to put a square peg in a round hole?

Unless Penning worked his butt off this offseason, and used specialized training to increase his foot speed and upper body technique, why not move him to guard?

 

[football]

All these debates and discussion from yesterday...I am ready for today's news. Hope to hear from our local news guys from Day 2 of OTA.

 

[SonOfNOLA]

All these debates and discussion from yesterday...I am ready for today's news. Hope to hear from our local news guys from Day 2 of OTA.

Only 1 media day for each week of OTAs. Day 2 and Day 3 not open to the media. Next practice notes from the reporters will be on May 28.

 

[St. Widge]

That must go back a LONG time ago. Every OL we’ve drafted in the first round since I can remember following the Saints (mid 80s) started their first season. Roaf, Naole*, Turley, Jammal Brown, etc.

*Naole got injured in camp, but started as soon as he was available in year 2

If I recall correctly, even Jim Dombrowski started as a rookie. Although he only started 3 games his rookie year, he took over as the regular starter his second year. I don't really remember the draft before that. But, I can see how things might have been different before free agency since you didn't have to worry about developing a guy for a few years and then lose him once he was ready to start.

 

[Deuuuuce]

Only 1 media day for each week of OTAs. Day 2 and Day 3 not open to the media. Next practice notes from the reporters will be on May 28.

Do you know if the reporters get to interview guys after practice days 2 and 3?

 

[football]

Only 1 media day for each week of OTAs. Day 2 and Day 3 not open to the media. Next practice notes from the reporters will be on May 28.

Oh ok. Didn't know that . Thanks

 

[St. Widge]

If Penning is moved to guard and becomes one of the most dominant guards ever to play for the Saints, would he be considered a bust? I would say no. I would think he was a great draft pick. So why are the Saints trying to put a square peg in a round hole?

Unless Penning worked his butt off this offseason, and used specialized training to increase his foot speed and upper body technique, why not move him to guard?

Because he is plenty fast/quick enough to play LT or RT. His RAS score and testing numbers make that clear. His issue is more technical and a lack of anchor. A lack of anchor would not bode well at OG. Maybe they do try him there if he fails at RT. But it makes sense to see if he can play RT before having to move him to OG.

 

[SonOfNOLA]

Do you know if the reporters get to interview guys after practice days 2 and 3?

Only the Saints’ team reporters Erin Summers and John DeShazier would’ve had a video recap for neworleanssaints.com. They haven’t posted any on their twitters.

None of the reporters outside of the team’s building from NOF, SI, ESPN, Fox8, WWL and WDSU won’t have live OTA content outside of the OTA media days

 

[CajunSaint08]

Because he is plenty fast/quick enough to play LT or RT. His RAS score and testing numbers make that clear. His issue is more technical and a lack of anchor. A lack of anchor would not bode well at OG. Maybe they do try him there if he fails at RT. But it makes sense to see if he can play RT before having to move him to OG.

He might have had a high RAS score, but that didn't equate to production on the field. So what do you think his problem was last year? He didn't show the athleticism to play LT. The DE's were either bull rushing him or running around him. He was so flat footed. Might as well had put nobody at LT last year when Penning was in the game. At least that way you know as a QB you had to get rid of the ball quick.

If he has the same issues at RT, you can't wait until the 4th or 5th game of the season to make a switch. Season would be over by then.

My neighbors' daughter aced her driving quiz. 100%. Couldn't get out of a parking lot because she was petrified of actually driving. Test score didn't equate to production. She UBER's well though.

 

[ELLIASJWILLIAMS]

If Penning is moved to guard and becomes one of the most dominant guards ever to play for the Saints, would he be considered a bust? I would say no. I would think he was a great draft pick. So why are the Saints trying to put a square peg in a round hole?

Unless Penning worked his butt off this offseason, and used specialized training to increase his foot speed and upper body technique, why not move him to guard?

Yeah I think Oline is one of those positions where you can move guys in spots and see how they fit. Draft a LT, if he's not athletic enough move him to RT, not athletic enough to play there try him at G. CB is similar....try him on outside first, then move to slot, if slot doesn't work...try safety (PJ WIlliams). WR is similar where you can move them from outside to slot but I think Oline offers the most flexibility w/ guys.

 

[nakadish]

He might have had a high RAS score, but that didn't equate to production on the field. So what do you think his problem was last year? He didn't show the athleticism to play LT. The DE's were either bull rushing him or running around him. He was so flat footed. Might as well had put nobody at LT last year when Penning was in the game. At least that way you know as a QB you had to get rid of the ball quick.

If he has the same issues at RT, you can't wait until the 4th or 5th game of the season to make a switch. Season would be over by then.

My neighbors' daughter aced her driving quiz. 100%. Couldn't get out of a parking lot because she was petrified of actually driving. Test score didn't equate to production. She UBER's well though.

What kind of production are you look for coming out of the gate for a guy who missed his rookie year, and most of last offseason, and a not-so-great O-line coach? And you put him alongside Hurst who wasn't very good either.

 

[CajunSaint08]

What kind of production are you look for coming out of the gate for a guy who missed his rookie year, and most of last offseason, and a not-so-great O-line coach? And you put him alongside Hurst who wasn't very good either.

He failed at his job last year. Can't blame Hurst for Penning's failures.