Saints eye a potential long-term solution at tackle. Chris Adams offers grit, versatility, and proven efficiency, fitting New Orleans' proven draft philosophy.
The New Orleans Saints have never been shy about scouting the "trenches," and with the 2026 NFL Draft looming, the front office is clearly doing its homework. Recent reports that the Saints have met with former Memphis offensive tackle Chris Adams should have fans leaning in.
While the draft headlines are often dominated by Power Five superstars, Adams represents the exact kind of "gritty, high-floor" prospect that often turns into a ten-year starter in the league. For a Saints team that has spent the last few seasons shuffling its offensive line due to injuries and transitions, Adams isn't just a depth piece, he's a potential solution.
By the Numbers: A Wall in the AAC
Adams isn't just another "big body". He's a statistical profile from his time at Memphis (and previously Old Dominion) that suggests a player with elite technical consistency. At 6'5" and 311 lbs, he has the ideal frame for an NFL tackle, but it’s the efficiency that stands out:
- PFF Grades: In 2024, Adams posted an elite 82.8 run-blocking grade and an 81.1 pass-blocking grade. Those aren't just good "mid-major" numbers; they are competitive with top-tier tackle prospects across the country.
- Snap Count & Durability: During his 2023 season at Old Dominion, Adams was the only player on the team to play every single offensive snap.That "iron man" reputation followed him to Memphis, where he started every game at left tackle.
- The "Zero" Factor: Despite facing increasingly complex blitz packages, Adams once recorded a stretch of 240 true pass sets without allowing a single sack.
- He tallied 2,433 snaps at left tackle and 309 at right tackle, with 26 penalties in 2,744 total snaps.
Why the Saints?
The Saints’ offensive line has been a work in progress. While the team bolstered the interior by signing guard David Edwards this offseason, the tackle position remains a point of concern regarding long-term stability and depth.
Adams brings a specific brand of positional versatility. Having started at both right and left tackle during his collegiate career, he offers New Orleans versatility on the edge. If a starter goes down, Adams can plug the gap without the coaching staff having to overhaul the scheme.
A "Saints Style" Pick
New Orleans has a history of finding gems outside the blue-blood programs (think Terron Armstead or Jahri Evans). Adams fits that mold. He is a battle-tested, durable leader who earned invites to both the East-West Shrine Bowl and the Senior Bowl, proving that NFL evaluators see his Memphis tape as transferable to the pros.
If the Saints pull the trigger on Adams in the middle rounds, they aren't just getting a backup. They're getting a high-motor protector who understands that in the NFL, your best ability is availability. In the Big Easy, where keeping the quarterback upright is the only way to compete in the NFC South, Chris Adams looks like a gamble worth taking.