New Orleans may have hit the jackpot in the 2022 NFL Draft.
While quarterback Derek Carr prepares to throw passes to second-year pro Chris Olave, it’s the Saints’ other 2022 first-round draft choice that has Carr excited.
He described Trevor Penning, selected 19th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, as “physical” and “aggressive” when commenting on what he’s seen from the young offensive tackle during training camp.
That’s a welcome development for Penning after the injury bug hit him hard last year. He missed the first 11 games due to turf toe and suffered a Lisfranc injury in the season finale against the Panthers that caused him to miss valuable time during organized team activities (OTAs).
He’s progressing well from that last injury and has a chance to show everyone Olave wasn’t the team’s only outstanding draft pick in 2022.
Olave finished second among all rookies in receiving yards (1,042) last season.
Carr particularly pointed to Penning’s no-holds-barred approach on the field. “He’s a very violent individual,” the quarterback said before adding, “As aggressive as he is, he’s also willing to learn and grow as a player.”
For a quarterback, Penning’s aggressive nature is exactly what Carr wants.
“He’s a different cat, but you don’t want everyone to be normal in the front when they’re protecting you,” Carr explained.
When discussing his style, Penning said, “That’s how I’ve always played and how I envision offensive linemen should play. I just play my game and if they don’t like it, so be it.”
The high marks he received from Carr are a great sign of his potential in his second year. If he justifies Carr’s comments, it will not only serve as a major boost to the Saints on the field but also will change how we should view the 2022 trade that landed them two first-round picks.
Widely panned as a misguided move, New Orleans traded its 2023 first-round pick to the Eagles in exchange for two first-round picks in 2022. When the Saints handed Philadelphia the No. 10 overall pick in this year’s draft after a mediocre 7-10 season, it made a move that appeared questionable at the time look downright onerous.
That perception will slowly fade if Penning turns into a home run pick. According to Carr, he has the tools to be exactly that.
