NEW ORLEANS — The Saints wrapped up the first week of OTA's, and so far new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak and his staff have received rave reviews from the entire team. While the Saints learn a new offense, they must also figure out what their O-line will look like.
The two known commodities on the Saints offense line are guard Cesar Ruiz No. 51 and center Erik Mccoy No. 78. The other three spots are unknowns.
Mccoy said he has to build off of last year and wants to be a constant encourager.
"Because we have a bunch of young guys, even though they are super talented, we have young guys. Build them up," he said. "Be like, yo, we have to pursue greatness every day when we come out here if we want to be the offensive line that this offense needs to be successful."
The Saints need that O-line to perform, to execute Klint Kubiak's system in OTA No. 1. The Saints worked a rookie first-rounder at left tackle, in Tali Fuaga, and a former first-round pick at right tackle, in Trevor Penning.
And for Penning, this may be the reset he needs after a tough first two seasons.
Third season head coach, Dennis Allen said it's a clean slate.
"It's a different position, it's a different coaching staff, it's a different scheme. It's really like, hey we are starting over here. We're starting new. And so I'm excited about it. I think it could be something good for him."
Penning may get that shot if he performs well and if Ryan Ramczyk can't play with his knee injury.
At least the tackle concerns are something second-year quarterback Derek Carr has dealt with before when he played for the Raiders.
Carr said he played a year where they started two rookie tackles and it was a learning curve for everyone.
He said he had to learn how to be efficient, how to be on time, even if it wasn't perfect.
"You see, based on what we seen from the guy, from Tali, from how hard he works, and from the other young guys, I'm just excited to see those guys flourish," said Carr. "There's no different mindset for me just playing, I got to just do my job, listen to my feet, all that stuff."
The Saints will resume organized team activities on Tuesday, May 28.
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