Domain: tiger-web1.srvr.media3.us Why Trevor Penning is a bust | Saints Talk
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Why Trevor Penning is a bust

Posted on 1/13/26 at 2:58 pm
Posted by SirWinston
PNW
Member since Jul 2014
102668 posts
Posted on 1/13/26 at 2:58 pm
In researching our future right tackle Spencer Fano, I was thrilled to hear about the many skills he brings to the table. This led me to wonder why Trev Penning was such a bust and if my assumptions (mainly gained from you lads here) were spot on.

Basically, Penning is the polar opposite of our Spencer in every conceivable way.

Trevor Penning has struggled because his raw aggression hasn't compensated for a heckin' lack of refined technique and adaptability.

While he’s a physical beast who loves to "bully" opponents, that style has led to a massive amount of penalties and inconsistent pass protection.

Why it hasn't panned out:


Tackle Struggles: His footwork was often too slow for NFL edge rushers, and he lacked the discipline to handle elite speed without holding or lunging.

Guard Transition: Moving inside to left guard was meant to hide his range issues, but he struggled with the faster reaction times required in "phone booth" situations.

The "Bust" Narrative: After failing to stick at either tackle spot in New Orleans, he was traded to the Chargers in late 2025 for a late-round pick, where he is currently being used as a depth piece and a "6th offensive lineman" in heavy packages.
His inability to master the technical side of the game, combined with early injuries, has basically cooked his chances of being a cornerstone starter in the NFL.
Posted by goatmilker
Castle Anthrax
Member since Feb 2009
74744 posts
Posted on 1/13/26 at 3:02 pm to
What’s his IQ?

My guess is two tackles will be gone by 8.
Posted by SirWinston
PNW
Member since Jul 2014
102668 posts
Posted on 1/13/26 at 3:04 pm to
quote:

What’s his IQ?

My guess is two tackles will be gone by 8.


You could be right, especially if Oregons QB stays in college and if Bain no shows versus both Ole Miss and Indiana

Fano is expected to measure extremely well and interview extremely well, so its likely his stock will continue to rise.

Id still want to take his teammate Caleb Lomu (my 2nd fav tackle in draft) but hes very different. Hes one of the highest rated pass protection OTs in recent draft history. Not nearly as good an athlete as Fano but a very good RT for ten years. Putting Fuagua next to him would also immediately upgrade 2 positions and give us the best young line in the NFC.
This post was edited on 1/13/26 at 3:10 pm
Posted by USA Dan
Spanish Fort, AL
Member since Jul 2015
1001 posts
Posted on 1/13/26 at 3:13 pm to
Why not keep Fuaga at RT and draft a stud OG?
Posted by Proximo
Member since Aug 2011
22427 posts
Posted on 1/13/26 at 3:17 pm to
quote:

Fuaga at RT and draft a stud OG?

If you want a stud, you have to take him at 8 to be sure so you’re looking at Fano or Mauigoa.

Both have position versatility so it comes down to whether Fuaga or Fano/Mauigoa project better inside.
Posted by saintsfan92612
Taiwan
Member since Oct 2008
30316 posts
Posted on 1/13/26 at 3:31 pm to
Last 5 guards drafted in the top 10:

2017 - Quentin Nelson (8th overall) - 8x pro bowl, 3x all-pro

2015 - Brandon Scherff (5th overall) - 5x pro bowl, 1x all-pro

2013 - Jonathan Cooper (7th overall) - lol

2013 - Chance Warmack (10th overall) - lol

1997 - Chris Naeole (10th overall) - meh

The 2013 class produced the only 2 real busts at the position but that whole draft a was a bust. Naeole got hurt pretty badly his rookie year and never lived up to his potential but was still a solid starter but definitely not top 10 worthy.
Posted by Proximo
Member since Aug 2011
22427 posts
Posted on 1/13/26 at 3:32 pm to
Hate to break it to you but we select 8th. Who are you suggesting we pick over Fano/Mauigoa?
Posted by Chad504boy
4 posts
Member since Feb 2005
176528 posts
Posted on 1/13/26 at 3:34 pm to
quote:

Who are you suggesting we pick over Fano/Mauigoa?


Jermod McCoy is growing on me.

Posted by Proximo
Member since Aug 2011
22427 posts
Posted on 1/13/26 at 3:53 pm to
quote:

Jermod McCoy is growing on me.

I meant which G he’s suggesting over Mauigoa/Fano.. but little rich for him I’d think for not playing in ‘25? Delane doesn’t have the ACL worry
Posted by Mushroom1968
Shreveport
Member since Jun 2023
5462 posts
Posted on 1/13/26 at 4:12 pm to
quote:

Why not keep Fuaga at RT and draft a stud OG?


Because this board doesn’t know to make sense. We will see move Cam Jordan to G threads before next season and they will mean that seriously. This board absolutely hates true, legit, guards. They want to move every person on the roster to G, or draft a different position and move that person to G, when the fix is, draft a damn G. For some reason that’s too complicated for this board.
This post was edited on 1/13/26 at 4:14 pm
Posted by Chad504boy
4 posts
Member since Feb 2005
176528 posts
Posted on 1/13/26 at 4:13 pm to
quote:

but little rich for him I’d think for not playing in ‘25?


he'll likely be a riser as he may be able to get on the field and showcase his true CB1 abilities. Mansoor is great but he may be a very good CB2 of this year's draft.
Posted by saints5021
Louisiana
Member since Jul 2010
19222 posts
Posted on 1/14/26 at 7:40 am to
Brandon Scherff was drafted as a tackle and moved inside because he couldn't handle the edge.
Posted by Chad504boy
4 posts
Member since Feb 2005
176528 posts
Posted on 1/14/26 at 8:37 am to
quote:

Brandon Scherff was drafted as a tackle and moved inside because he couldn't handle the edge.


could be a gennings dunker this year especially build similarities.
Posted by Weekend Warrior79
Member since Aug 2014
20967 posts
Posted on 1/14/26 at 8:43 am to
quote:

Cam Jordan to G



Personally, I like the "you don't draft an OG in the 1st round". Then later they want to draft a new OT in the top 10 and move one of our other 1st round OTs to OG.
Posted by Weekend Warrior79
Member since Aug 2014
20967 posts
Posted on 1/14/26 at 8:50 am to
quote:

Last 5 guards drafted in the top 10:

I am not suggesting that we should draft an OG in the top 10; but is the bust rate for an OG that much higher than damn near every other position? Quick glance around and PFF says the hit rate , based on snap count, for a 1st round iOL is 70.0%, the rate for an OT is 73.0%. Draftwire using an ESPN study has hit rate for OT at 59% and OG at 50%, based on signing a 2nd contract with team that drafted them.
Posted by fwtex
Member since Nov 2019
3290 posts
Posted on 1/14/26 at 9:35 am to
In simpler words, he is just a big stiff guy?
Posted by Thracken13
Aft Cargo Hold of Serenity
Member since Feb 2010
18622 posts
Posted on 1/14/26 at 10:04 am to
I know for me, when I want good info on a player, I always go to the person that says they are a fan of the team, but actively roots for other teams to beat us, or that cock gobbles Tom Brady.
Posted by TooFyeToFly
Atlanta, Georgia
Member since Nov 2012
2118 posts
Posted on 1/14/26 at 10:40 am to
quote:

SirWinston


Did you vet his political views? I know how important that is to you.
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