The Saints eye offensive lineman Josh Gesky, a dominant force with just one sack allowed last season. Is he the next hidden gem?
The New Orleans Saints have long been masters of finding "the guy before he becomes The Guy." Whether it’s scouring small schools or identifying late-round gems, Mickey Loomis and his scouting department have a type: high-IQ, physically imposing, and versatile.
Last week’s private workout for Illinois offensive lineman Josh Gesky—as first reported by Arye Pulli—suggests the Saints are once again looking to strike gold in the trenches. While the Texans and Colts are also sniffing around, there is a distinct "Saints feel" to Gesky’s profile that should have fans in New Orleans paying close attention.
The "Wall of Manteno"
At 6-foot-5 and 335 pounds, Gesky isn’t just a body, he’s a roadblock. His 2025 senior season at Illinois was a prime example in consistency. In 456 pass-blocking snaps, he surrendered just one sack. For a Saints team that has spent the last two seasons trying to find the right combination of protection for their quarterback, those are the kind of numbers that jump off the page.
But it’s not just the pass protection. Gesky earned All-Big Ten honorable mention honors for three straight years, proving that his success wasn't a fluke of a single season but the result of sustained, high-level execution in one of college football’s most physical conferences.
Why the Saints are Interested
The Saints’ interest in Gesky likely stems from three key factors:
- Versatility is King: During his time with the Illini, Gesky played nearly every position on the line.While he settled in at left guard for his final 26 starts, that "five-position" flexibility is exactly what Kellen Moore’s offense craves in a depth piece.
- The "Pro Day" Explosion: If scouts were worried about his mobility, Gesky silenced them at his Pro Day. A 4.94-second 40-yard dash and a 33-inch vertical at 335 pounds is borderline athletic freak territory. Those numbers would have ranked him near the top of the NFL Combine had he been invited.
- Discipline: Allowing one sack is great; being penalized only once all season is arguably better. In an era where "holding, offense, number 73" can kill a promising drive, Gesky’s technical soundness is a breath of fresh air.
A Late-Round Steal?
The Saints currently find themselves in a position where they don't have to reach for a starter, which allows them to hunt for high-ceiling developmental talent.
Gesky is currently projected as a late-round pick or a priority undrafted free agent. However, with the Colts and Texans—two teams with excellent reputations for scouting offensive line talent—also hosting him for private workouts, the secret is clearly out.
If New Orleans can snag Gesky on Day 3, they aren't just getting a depth chart filler. They’re getting a powerful, disciplined interior lineman who moves like a man 50 pounds lighter. He is literally a moving wall. In the grind of the NFC South, you can never have enough "big uglies" who know how to keep their quarterback upright.