Trevor Penning spent his first two NFL seasons at left tackle, but the Saints moved him to right tackle last year. The former first-rounder appears to be on course for another position change in 2025. 
Penning has been taking snaps at left guard during OTAs, with Taliese Fuaga moving to the right tackle spot. The 2024 first-rounder handled blindside duties as a rookie, but that responsibility could now fall to the latest Day 1 addition along the O-line. Kelvin Banks Jr. has worked at left tackle so far, although he will also see time at other spots during the offseason.
“We feel great about Trevor and it’s just a matter of putting the best five out there on the field, giving ourselves opportunities and the versatility that that provides,” head coach Kellen Moore said of the move (via the team’s website). “Trevor’s physicality and his demeanor and the way he plays, we feel like guard presents him a great opportunity.”
Penning entered the NFL known for his physicality in the run game, but questions lingered about his pass protection. Struggles in the latter area have persisted through the Northern Iowa product’s three years in New Orleans, and in 2024 he ranked 75th in overall PFF grade amongst offensive tackles. Moving inside could mitigate Penning’s issues against the pass while allowing Fuaga to return to right tackle (where he played exclusively in college).
Banks handled blindside duties during his time at Texas, but a generally underwhelming final year with the Longhorns led some to expect a fall down the draft board and/or a switch to guard at the NFL level. It remains to be seen where he will line up with the Saints during his rookie campaign, although the team’s decision to select him ninth overall is a clear indication of their confidence in a long-term left tackle stint being possible. Erik McCoy and Cesar Ruiz remain on track to start at center and right guard, respectively.
Penning expectedly had his fifth-year option declined last spring. As a result, the 26-year-old enters this campaign as a pending free agent. His ability to find success wherever he lines up will be key in determining his value to New Orleans or an outside team next offseason. 2025 could still include at least some time at either tackle spot, but a stint along the interior is clearly being explored in Penning’s case as well.
That could be a solid offensive line if they can stay healthy.