High-ranking NFL personnel executive gives crown to unheralded Saints veteran

The New Orleans Saints have plenty of question marks along their offensive line. One of their veteran starters is not one of those, though. He got some respect in recent ESPN rankings.

Via ESPN, NFL insider Jeremy Fowler broke down a survey given to league executives, coaches, and scouts. That survey ranks top 10 players at different positions. Check out his description for how they come to their rankings below.

With 2024 NFL training camps on the horizon, it is again time for the league's true insiders to make their voices heard. ESPN surveyed league executives, coaches and scouts to help us rank the top 10 players at 11 different positions, from quarterback to cornerback and all positions in between. This is the fifth edition of these rankings, and as usual, several players have moved up or fallen off last year's lists .

Saints' Erik McCoy receives high praise from NFL executive

Erik McCoy , New Orleans Saints : After five NFL seasons, McCoy owns a 93.7% pass block win rate and a 70.4% run block win rate. "You could make an argument he's been the best center for a while. He gives us problems. Plays like a guard as far as power and physicality," a high-ranking NFL personnel man said. -- Fowler, ESPN

McCoy must anchor an OL that could have three new starters on it for the 2024 season.

Taliese Fuaga is projected to start at left tackle as a rookie, and Trevor Penning may be in line to get the nod at right tackle. Nick Saldiveri and Oli Udoh, along with others, are battling for the starting guard spot opposite of Cesar Ruiz.

McCoy is the most consistent player that will probably start on the line, and he must play better than he did in 2023. His second half of the year was solid, but he and Ruiz did start out the year a bit slow, especially in pass protection. That can happen with a new quarterback under center and lackluster play calling.

The vet lineman did make the Pro Bowl in 2023 and also made multiple All-Rookie teams in 2019.

With a new scheme to navigate, we will see if McCoy proves to be a top center in the NFC once again. Regardless, the kind words from the anonymous personnel is some deserved respect for the Saints center.

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