Position changes aren't easy in football. They're even tougher at the NFL level. For Trevor Penning, he is taking a swap in positions in stride for the New Orleans Saints.
Trevor Penning embracing position change on OL
The young offensive lineman has endured a position change so far this offseason. After selecting Kelvin Banks Jr. in round one of the 2025 NFL Draft, Penning got pushed inside. Now, he is expected to start at left guard for the Saints.
"Not to say I can't play tackle, but in the run game - especially at guard - the things I do well really shine."
"At guard, you can be more aggressive -- obviously not super aggressive, but more aggressive than at tackle. You can just connect on guys and get on them early, versus tackle where you've got a lot of space between you and the edge rusher."
-- Trevor Penning on swap to guard
This is a smart decision by Kellen Moore's staff. Thursday powerful nature of Penning's game should lend itself well at guard, and it removes some of the pressure on him when it comes to mobility and technique.
Penning also pointed out that he was a bit surprised to not get moved to guard earlier in his pro career.
The previous coaching staff may have been smart to do that, but they never did. That's yet another tally to the reasons they no longer hold leadership positions with the Saints.
He'll need to iron out plenty at the guard position, but this move could truly revitalize Penning's career going forward. Not to mention, it allows the Saints to get a look at a young tackle duo with tons of potential in Banks and Taliese Fuaga, who had a great rookie year a season ago.
