New Orleans Saints 2022 first-round pick Trevor Penning not only expected a move from tackle to guard under the new regime, but he welcomed it, believing the change could revitalize his career.
“The things I do well, I think fit better at guard,” Penning said on Thursday, via The Times-Picayune. “Not to say I can’t play tackle, but in the run game — especially at guard — the things I do well really shine.”
The 6-foot-7, 324-pound Northern Iowa product entered the NFL known for his aggressive style — sometimes too aggressive. He was installed as a tackle during his rookie season and asked to help replace Terron Armstead. An injury wiped out much of his first season, and he never looked comfortable on the outside. In three seasons, he started 23 games at tackle, including 17 last year on the right side.
Penning sounded surprised he wasn’t moved to guard earlier in his career — the latest shot at how the previous coaching staff in New Orleans utilized its players.
“At guard, you can be more aggressive — obviously not super aggressive, but more aggressive than at tackle,” Penning said. “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.”