Which Saints Player Made PFF's First Quarter All-Pro Team?

The New Orleans Saints have had a frustrating start to the 2026 NFL season, which was filled with optimism and expectations. Following a thorough beatdown at home by the Atlanta Falcons, the team has dropped to 0-2 at home, with one win on the road in four total contests. Making the loss even tougher was the 25th anniversary of Steve Gleason's blocked punt following the rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina.

There is still time for the team to make a run at the playoffs. Carolina and Atlanta are 2-2 and New Orleans is a game back. Tampa Bay just won their first game in Dallas on Thursday night. The Minnesota Vikings are next on the schedule and are one of the few 4-0 teams in the NFL. The winning has to start immediately,

One of the bright spots for the Saints through four games has been center Erik McCoy. Pro Football Focus has named its All-Pro team for the first quarter of the season, and McCoy seems like the easy choice. 

McCoy earned a 74.2 overall PFF grade in the 2026 season, 3rd among 33 qualified centers. He played 306 offensive snaps during the season.

His PFF pass-blocking grade of 77.2 ranked 4th among 33 qualified centers. His run-blocking grade of 70.5 ranked 7th at the position.

He has allowed 5 total pressures in pass protection. That total included 0 sacks and 2 hits allowed to opposing pass rushers. McCoy was flagged for 0 penalties over the course of the season.

The 2023 Pro Bowler has started off with a stellar season. McCoy has dealt with injuries the last two seasons, but looks healthy and hopefully that can continue for the Saints. In true pass sets (no play action or screens), McCoy has been even better allowing only four pressures, three hurries, and a QB hit. 

According to SIS Data Hub, McCoy sits at the top of all offensive linemen with 12 total points earned. McCoy is tied with his running mate at right guard Cesar Ruiz with 12 total points earned and has zero blown blocks on 290 snaps. Only Jake Brendel of the San Francisco 49ers, Tanor Bortolini of the Indianapolis Colts, and Coleman Shelton of the Los Angeles Rams are the other centers with zero blown blocks.

Although things haven't gone the Saints way so far, McCoy's health and production has been a huge bright spot for New Orleans.