As former Saints LB Scott Shanle stood watching Saints training camp practices ahead of the 2024 season, the concern surrounding Trevor Penning was clearly evident.
So much so that Shanle asked then-head coach Dennis Allen why not move him to guard, considering his skillset. Both agreed it was a good idea, but with one issue.
"Dennis’ answer to me was ‘yea, but then who do I put at tackle?’ "Shanle recalled. "It was really they were trying to plug a bunch of holes and so Trevor kind of had to stay at tackle. I think they really wanted to try him at guard last year but they just didn’t have anyone they could throw out there at right tackle."
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Penning started all 17 games at the right tackle spot. There were some struggle points, but by and large it was a successful move. That didn't stop the Saints from investing in the position again with Texas OT Kelvin Banks Jr. at No. 9 overall, the second consecutive season drafting a first-round tackle after selecting Taliese Fuaga in the 2024 draft.
The move meant the Saints no longer had to plug holes at tackle. For Penning, the guard switch could finally happen. Teams aren't quick to give up on a tackle prospect, Shanle said, but in this case everybody wins.
"I really think what his attributes and his strengths are, his size and his strength and his nastiness, I really think he can be a really good guard," Shanle continued. "When you look at these five guys across the line of scrimmage, just on paper it should be one of the best offensive lines the Saints have had in a couple years, but I really think this move is going to be the best thing for Trevor in his career.”
It also didn't hurt that the new Saints head coach is Kellen Moore, the former offensive coordinator for the Eagles who presided over a similar transition with Mekhi Becton early on in an offseason that built into a Super Bowl victory. It's a similar story, with a former first-round pick not excelling at the position he was drafted, and kicking inside where there was a need to fill.
The team opted to decline a 5th-year option built into his rookie deal, something they announced even prior to the draft.
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To Penning's credit he's embraced -- and even encouraged -- the position switch. He was called up to meet with coaches earlier this offseason and got the news he expected.
"I think the things that I do well, I think fit better at guard," Penning said. "Not to say I can’t play tackle, but in the run game especially at guard, I think the things I do well really, I can shine at guard.”
So far the returns have been good, but that comes with a major caveat: There haven't been any padded practices, where OL and DL battles truly get rolling. In fact there haven't even been any full 11-on-11 drills, a choice made by the new coaching staff, which would at least simulate that work. All that's been done in that regard is walkthrough pace sessions with no helmets, a decision made proactively to make sure nothing got too heated.
All that is to say: We won't get a picture of exactly how well Penning is taking to his new position until training camp arrives.
When that time does arrive, Shanle expects big things from the big man as he enters a contract year.
"I love it. I really do," Shanle said, "I think it’s probably a year too late.