Saints host massive offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright. A private dinner reveals if this powerful mauler possesses the grit to rebuild their trenches.
If there is one thing we know about the New Orleans Saints under the current regime, it’s that they don’t do "casual" when it comes to the trenches. Per NFL Insider Jordan Schultz, the Saints are hosting Auburn offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright on a Top 30 visit this Tuesday—a visit that notably kicked off with a private dinner on Monday night.
In the world of NFL draft prospecting, a dinner isn't just a meal; it's a personality test. And for a team that has spent the last few seasons trying to rediscover its identity on the offensive line, Wright might just be the missing ingredient of pure, unadulterated "nasty."
The "Mauler" Profile
Standing 6-foot-5 and tipping the scales at 331 pounds (some scouts even have him closer to 350), Wright is the definition of a "mauler." He isn’t the most fleet-of-foot prospect in this class—his footwork can be described as "deliberate"—but what he lacks in lateral agility, he makes up for in raw, SEC-tested power.
For the Saints, this interest signals a clear shift. While they’ve invested heavily in athletic tackles like Taliese Fuaga, the interior remains a question mark. Current right guard Cesar Ruiz is entering a pivotal contract year, and general manager Mickey Loomis hasn't exactly been subtle about needing more production from that spot. Bringing in a player like Wright—who excels in gap schemes and recorded 33 knockdown blocks last season—suggests the Saints are looking for someone who can move human beings against their will.
Why It Matters
The private dinner is the "tell." The Saints are doing their due diligence on Wright’s football IQ and character. After a college career defined by four position changes and a comeback from a torn ACL, Wright has the "makeup" the Saints front office typically covets. They want grinders. They want guys who have survived the SEC gauntlet and come out the other side with a mean streak.
The Strategic Fit
Wright is currently projected as a late Day 2 or early Day 3 pick. For New Orleans, this is the sweet spot for finding high-floor depth. Even if he isn’t a Week 1 starter, his presence creates the kind of "iron sharpens iron" competition that has been missing from the interior depth chart.
If the Saints pull the trigger on draft weekend, it tells us two things:
- They are committed to protecting their quarterback with mass, not just scheme.
- The era of "finesse" in the New Orleans run game is officially over.
The Saints are hungry for a more physical identity. After a Monday night dinner with Jeremiah Wright, they might have found the man to help them dish it out.