New Orleans Saints' need for a starting offensive tackle in the 2024 NFL Draft just skyrocketed

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Adam Holt | Last updated 3/26/24

The NFL offseason is ever-evolving. The 2024 NFL Draft is sure to be an interesting one for the New Orleans Saints. Their biggest need just got became even more dire for their offense.

Saints head coach Dennis Allen gave an update on the injury status for star offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk.

His recovery from offseason surgery has not gone quite as ideal as the team had hoped - it seems.

The Saints are preparing for Ramczyk to potentially miss the 2024 season.

The #Saints are preparing for the real possibility that OT Ryan Ramczyk is medically not able to play this season, sources say. Coach Dennis Allen alluded to Ramczyk’s knee not responding as they hoped, and it’s unclear when or if it will. A true question mark. pic.twitter.com/KJpVwvYKGm
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 26, 2024

Now, offensive tackle easily elevates to the team's biggest need in the draft. It was already arguably their top need.

Without Ramczyk they have no proven right tackle on the roster. He was their best offensive lineman last season and has been quite consistent over the past handful of season.

Remczyk received a top-flight OT contract extension in 2021 to keep him in New Orleans. During last season, some concerns began about his long-term availability due to a defective injury in his knee that cannot be completely "fixed" by surgery or rehab.

Fast forward to now - the Saints do not have a clear starter at LT opposite of Ramczyk, and now, they have concerns about his status for 2024. As for OT options in round one, New Orleans could have plenty of them at pick 14.

Taliese Fuaga and Olu Fashanu stand out as potential prospects for the Saints that they may prefer. Both have impressive size and film that have them expected to go in the top fifteen selection software the draft.

Regardless, the panic alarm must be pulled for the Saints' 2024 offensive line. They must address it early in the draft and with at least one veteran tackle in free agency.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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