CharityMike

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

Danno

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

CharityMike

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

Danno

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

CharityMike

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

Danno

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

CharityMike

I guess not.

frydaddy

I think if they didn't feel like he could do it they would have moved Peat back out to tackle already. Still is an option if it becomes necessary. I have faith in Ram though. Our defense has been pretty good at getting after the QB lately and by all accounts he held his own pretty well during camp.

Danno

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.

hagan714

I am not sure I would go so far. He was a great OT in college as a one year wonder. I liked him all season long but when he climbed into round 1 in the draft was more do to the lack of quality OT in the draft than his play.

at 32 was still a bit reach based on his talent but a solid move non the less. mid round 2 is about were i had him but needs are important at 32. besides other talent from the top of round 2 was selected ahead of him and the tumbling talent in round 1 did not deserve to be a saint. so all worked out well as the draft fell.

As a RT he needed that year behind Strief.

But here we are and he gets the nod at LT. Experience under fire kind of suites the kid. He has that kind of mentality and is one of the reasons I like him so much.

A Blue collar, lunch pale toting kid from the upper mid west.

1) Reduce the 7 step drops and it will help to not expose him to a lot those quick inside moves from the DE.
2) TE and RB chips are in order.
3) Blitz pickups assignments should have LT to RT priority. Not the usual RT to LT the saints use.
4) Establish the run,

Do this and he should have a decent showing.

Wish it was not viking defense he was facing for the first outing. They are going to to came at him all game long.

"We may have lost the game, but you'll be hurting tomorrow." Doug Atkins