New Orleans Saints coaches spent a portion of the team's three-day rookie minicamp discerning whether offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga, this year's first-round draft pick, is capable of driving on the other side of the road.
After making 25 starts at right tackle in his final two seasons at Oregon State, Fuaga worked in at left tackle for the Saints during rookie minicamp. New Orleans potentially has a need at both positions; last year's starter at left tackle (Andrus Peat) signed with the Raiders as an unrestricted free agent and 2022 first-round pick Trevor Penning has had an uneven performance at the position, and right tackle Ryan Ramczyk hasn't recovered as well as hoped from offseason knee surgery.
"Some say it's like driving on the other side of the highway," Fuaga said Saturday. "It's just getting used to it, that's all I can say about that.
"It's definitely something you've just got to get used to it again. I didn't play it too much in college, but I try to work that over the offseason. Just coming back, getting back into pads and stuff, helmets, really. But just trying to get that feel back.
"It's just a little rusty a bit on the left side. Definitely got to get those reps in again."
It's not abnormal for the Saints to work offensive linemen at multiple positions during the offseason, given that injuries can force in-game adjustments. Recently retired James Hurst received practice reps at both tackle and both guard positions, right guard Cesar Ruiz has taken snaps at center and Peat received reps at left guard and left tackle.
The versatility puts players in position to at least have had practice reps at the position, with the players they'll be alongside.
Plus, New Orleans has a solid idea of who and what Fuaga is as a right tackle.
"I think we want to take a look at him on the left side, and see how he does over there," Coach Dennis Allen said Saturday, following the second day of the three-day camp. "I think we're pretty confident that he can play right tackle, so giving him some work over on the left side is important, and we'll evaluate it as we go and see how he does."
"He's a tremendous athlete," offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak said. "We identified that early, just how athletic he is, how mean he is – in a good way. We definitely wanted to see what he looks like at left (tackle) for this camp.
"One of the huge reasons we drafted him was his intelligence. He's been just like all the other guys, putting in a lot of work. He came out and definitely has not disappointed. But it's two days into it; we're not going to crown anybody or go the other way on the first two days. But we're happy with what we got."
Fuaga said he's willing to work in wherever the staff feels is best.
"It's good. We've got a good set of guys I'm working with right now, and coaches are good," he said. "Everything is good so far.
"It's almost like the same (offensive) concept I ran at Oregon State. I think we've got a good offensive coordinator, we've got a good running scheme here. Everything is working out so far.
"I think they just saw me as a fit. They're trying me at left, but I'm ready to play whatever Coach D.A. (Allen) wants me to be at. He's trying me at that position."
That willingness was an area Saints coaches identified as a strength for the first-rounder.
"We love the person, we love his work ethic, we love the type of teammate that he was at Oregon State," Kubiak said. "Amongst all the skills that made him a first-round draft pick, it's really the intangibles that he brings that we were really looking forward to."
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
New Orleans Saints players kicked off 2024 Rookie Minicamp workouts at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on May 10, 2024.
