New Orleans Saints break a consistent habit with their latest decision on their first-round rookie

Welcome to another fun time of the offseason for the New Orleans Saints. Depth charts have arrived around the NFL.

Saints release first unofficial depth chart for 2024

There are not many surprises, but a few things do stand out . For one, the Saints' first-round rookie in 2024 has made them do something that they almost never do in recent years.

Taliese Fuaga surprisingly listed as starter as a rookie

This is unlike New Orleans. They normally stray away from rookies getting the starting nod this early on in the offseason. We are still in trialing camp, but they are showing a ton of confidence in Fuaga by labeling him as their starting left tackle.

For comparison, Bryan Bresee was a second-string interior defensive lineman on the first unofficial depth chart of 2023. No rookies were listed as starters on that one.

As for 2022, Chris Olave was the third wide receiver listed on their first unofficial depth chart during that offseason. Fellow first-rounder Trevor Penning was not originally listed as a starting tackle during the 2022 offseason, either.

Now, both of them headline a position for the Saints' first 2024 depth chart.

For Fuaga, the Saints have been delighted with his gritty play and noticeable adjustments so far during practice. He is making strides, and his teammates have noticed as well .

Chase Young had a gleaming review of him last week. said that that combo, at Fuaga's size, forces him to change up his moves on the pass rush. Erik McCoy called him the best rookie lineman he has seen in his pro career so far.

The offensive line has plenty of new pieces for New Orleans in 2024. Fuaga needs to provide some young consistency and upside for them. This is a step in that direction that breaks an annual habit for the Saints organization.

Related: Three biggest surprises from the New Orleans Saints' first unofficial depth chart of the 2024 offseason