PFF named the second year tackle as an X-Factor for the Saints next year.
PFF’s Max Chadwick and Dalton Wasserman collaborated on an article explaining an X-factor for each team in 2025. For the Saints, they chose second year offensive lineman, Taliese Fuaga. This may come as a surprise to fans, as one may expect a quarterback or a skill position player. Fuaga was listed as the X-factor, but that extends to the entire offensive line. Their success is key for the Saints in 2025.
A jump for Taliese Fuaga could be imminent at his natural position
Chadwick and Wasserman explain how a second year breakout for Fuaga is critical for the Saints. They note his PFF grade last season and say he was solid. However, Fuaga outplayed his grade and had a spectacular rookie season. He started every game in 2024 and only allowed six sacks. He was dependable in a season full of injuries and inconsistency.
“His 65.7 PFF overall grade last season was a solid mark, considering he was playing left tackle, where he never played a single snap in college. With 2025 first-rounder Kelvin Banks Jr. in the fold, Fuaga may move back to his more comfortable position at right tackle”.
Fuaga lined up at a new position the entirety of his rookie season. He played 1,565 career snaps at Oregon State, all of them at right tackle. This made his shift to left tackle surprising. However, he surpassed all expectations. Now, the Saints drafted Kelvin Banks, who is a left tackle. This allows Fuaga to move back to his natural position, which could further elevate his game in 2025.
The Saints seem locked in on this offensive line for 2025:
LT: Kelvin Banks
LG: Trevor Penning
C: Erik McCoy
RG: Cesar Ruiz
RT: Taliese Fuaga
We’re still early in the offseason so this could change, however, this group is great on paper. Penning is moving to the interior, but other than that, everyone is at their natural position. If they can stay healthy, the offensive line could move from a weakness to a strength in 2025.
The importance of the offensive line is significantly higher with an inexperienced quarterback. Either Tyler Shough or Spencer Rattler will be the starting quarterback in 2025. Shough is a rookie and Rattler only has seven games under his belt. Giving them time to operate in the pocket is critical. Sacks were a major problem when Rattler started last season, the line has to limit the amount of pressure the young quarterbacks receive. If they don’t, the season will turn downhill quickly.
Taliese Fuaga was listed as the Saints X-factor for 2025, but that can be extended to the entirety of the offensive line. Giving either Shough or Rattler time to operate is crucial for the Saints offense. Their play in the trenches will play a major role in the Saints success.
