Ryan Ramczyk will become first Saints rookie to start season opener at LT in 31 years
 

Posted by Charean Williams on September 8, 2017, 3:03 PM EDT

AP
Ryan Ramczyk will become the first Saints rookie to start the season opener at left tackle since since Jim Dombrowski in 1986.

“Obviously, it’s a little bit bigger stage here, but it’s really just trusting my preparation and what I’ve done so far here,” Ramczyk said, via Josh Katzenstein of the New Orleans Times-Picayune. “I feel good about it.”

Ramczyk, the 32nd overall choice, was not expected to start on the fast track. Veteran Terron Armstead was manning the left tackle spot until he tore the labrum in his shoulder in June. Ramczyk was Plan B in protecting Drew Brees‘ blindside against the Vikings, one of the top pass-rushing units in the league.

Ramczyk got only 38 total offensive snaps in two preseason games, but the Saints have confidence in the rookie.

“I think he’s had good work all training camp, and I think he’s someone that quickly picked up our system,” coach Sean Payton said. “He’ll be ready.”

Ryan Ramczyk will become first Saints rookie to start season opener at LT in 31 years – ProFootballTalk

Re: Ryan Ramczyk will become first Saints rookie to start season opener at LT in 31 years
 

Yeah, not exactly a good thing for us. We were probably hoping to bring him along a bit more slowly.

Re: Ryan Ramczyk will become first Saints rookie to start season opener at LT in 31 years
 

What I was thinking as well. Say a novena and hope for the best I suppose.

Re: Ryan Ramczyk will become first Saints rookie to start season opener at LT in 31 years
 

I just hope if he struggles that it doesn't ruin his development.

Re: Ryan Ramczyk will become first Saints rookie to start season opener at LT in 31 years
 

Good point. I hope not as well. But we wouldn't trust him to protect Drews blind side if he wasn't ready right?

Re: Ryan Ramczyk will become first Saints rookie to start season opener at LT in 31 years
 

But at this point we really didn't have any viable alternatives did we?

Re: Ryan Ramczyk will become first Saints rookie to start season opener at LT in 31 years
 

I guess not.

Re: Ryan Ramczyk will become first Saints rookie to start season opener at LT in 31 years
 

And lets remember, Ramz was an elite LT in college, projected to go in the 1st half of round 1, so this isn't some 3rd or 4th rounder thrown into action because of injury.

He's basically as close to NFL ready as any rookie can be.

Re: Ryan Ramczyk will become first Saints rookie to start season opener at LT in 31 years
 

Trial by fire!! RB's will lend a hand chipping on passing downs, hopefully?

Re: Ryan Ramczyk will become first Saints rookie to start season opener at LT in 31 years
 

Yep, its a chess match. He made need help, he may not.

We may look like we're giving him help, but fake for a pass to the flats.

The strategy is way beyond my pay grade. Its why these guys get paid and we don't.