There’s no question that we are set to witness the final games of Drew Brees’ career.
While it will be disappointing to no longer see Brees dicing up NFL secondaries at some point in the near future, New Orleans deserves credit for the outstanding offensive line it has built to give Brees his best chance to produce into his 40s.
But how good is the Saints’ offensive line? Is it the best in the NFL? Let’s examine.
LEFT TACKLE: TERRON ARMSTEAD
Terron Armstead has blossomed into one of the league’s elite pass blockers, securing Brees’ blindside. He has tremendous mobility and ideal length to mirror pass rushers to keep Brees upright. Armstead, a Pro Bowl player in each of the last two seasons, is a surefire top performer at his position.
LEFT GUARD: ANDRUS PEAT
Andrus Peat is widely viewed as the weak link of this offensive line but that didn’t stop New Orleans from inking him to a five year, $57.5 million extension in March. Peat has been named to each of the last two Pro Bowls despite battling some injuries and not playing quite to the level he did earlier in his career; he’s expected to be healthy entering the 2020 season. Peat is a powerful run blocker with terrific length.
CENTER: ERIK MCCOY
Max Unger was a substantial loss entering last season, but Erik McCoy did a tremendous job easing his departure and replacing him at center. McCoy was a second-round selection in the 2019 draft and started all 16 games as a rookie but never looked like one. He is one of the most exciting young interior offensive linemen and being surrounded by top talent has helped maximize his potential early on.
RIGHT GUARD: LARRY WARFORD/CESAR RUIZ
The Saints invested their top pick in the 2020 draft on Cesar Ruiz, but that wasn’t because there was an immediate hole that existed on the roster. Larry Warford is 28 years old and was named to the last three Pro Bowls. Warford, a 101-game starter, has been a mainstay up front for New Orleans since he joined the team in 2017. Ruiz’s addition could be more about replacing Warford, who set to become a free agent after 2020 and insurance for Peat, who has dealt with injuries of late. In either case, the group is in good shape short- and long-term.
RIGHT TACKLE: RYAN RAMCZYK
Ryan Ramczyk has been a Day 1 starter since the Saints made him a first-round pick in 2017 and in the conversation as the best right tackle in the NFL. Ramczyk, a first-team All-Pro in 2019, is coming into his own as a player. He’s dynamic in pass protection and in the run game.
BOTTOM LINE
It’s not even a hot take” The Saints have the best offensive line in the league. With all five starters returning from 2019, the continuity and time on task factors should lead to the unit being even better in 2020. The depth was strengthened with the drafting of Ruiz and McCoy should take a step forward in his sophomore year.
Kudos to general manager Mickey Loomis for making sure Brees has an elite blocking for his final games. The unit is set to make sure his successor is also stepping into an ideal situation.
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