Rutledge started 26 games at left guard the last two seasons, but took reps at center and right guard during practice this week and was able to show the willingness and versatility that has become almost essential for incoming interior offensive linemen.
More than just holding his own in one-on-one drills, Rutledge occasionally engaged in a game of bully ball, imposing his will on opposing defensive linemen.
“I played a lot of guard in college and that was great, but I know I’m versatile and I can play all three spots,” said Rutledge, a second-team All-American who anchored an offensive line that paved the way for Georgia Tech to average 31.7 points and 460 yards per game, 197.5 rushing. “So I was just coming out here and showing that.”
NFL teams covet that multiplicity, and the Saints may be seeking it in the upcoming draft.
New Orleans’ projected starting interior linemen in 2025 — left guard Trevor Penning, center Erik McCoy and right guard Cesar Ruiz — rarely worked together last season.
Ruiz, the Saints’ first-round pick in 2020, logged the most time, starting 14 of 17 games. McCoy (second-round pick in ’19) tore his right triceps in Week 7 and missed the rest of the season. Penning, the team’s first-round pick in ’22, started his career at left tackle, moved to right tackle in ’24, shifted to left guard last season and was traded to the Chargers on Nov. 4 after playing six games with the Saints.
McCoy and Penning both played in the Senior Bowl before they were drafted.