Saints draft Taliese Fuaga with No. 14 pick
The New Orleans Saints selected Oregon State offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga with the No. 14 selection in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Fuaga has an impressive track record, having started 25 straight games at right tackle for Oregon State over the last two seasons. He earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors in 2023 and was a Beavers team captain.
The 22-year-old is arguably the best run-blocker in the class. He gets off the line fast and can move defenders consistently. Fuaga can also play guard, giving New Orleans options across the line.
New Orleans entered the draft with serious question marks across the offensive line. Former first-round pick Trevor Penning hasn't panned out, and Ryan Ramczyk's 2024 season is in doubt due to a knee injury.
Pre-draft profile
Fuaga is a powerhouse right tackle. The Oregon State product has the play strength and finishing demeanor to overwhelm opponents. He's also much more advanced in pass protection than your typical mauler, demonstrating fluid movement skills and excellent hand usage. Fuaga will have to play with better pad level and technique to consistently sustain blocks against NFL defenders in the run game, but there's no doubt he possesses the physical traits for high-level production in this area of the game, too. He should be a Day 1 starter with a high ceiling looking to the future.