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New Orleans Saints: Ryan Ramczyk could solve lingering problem

By Rebecca Mills

Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Wisconsin Badgers offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk poses after being selected as the number 32 overall pick by the New Orleans Saints in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Wisconsin Badgers offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk poses after being selected as the number 32 overall pick by the New Orleans Saints in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Drafting Ryan Ramczyk 32nd overall might not have seemed smart for the New Orleans Saints at the time, but it might solve a lingering problem now.

The New Orleans Saints are one of the best offensive teams in the league and most of it is due to their quarterback, Drew Brees. Their defense has surely been a weakness, but another has been and is their offensive line. Unfortunately for the team, the line’s inability to stay healthy has caused inconsistency. Rookie Ryan Ramczyk might solve that problem.

This offseason, the Saints have already racked up a handful of injuries. The first to go was their center, Max Unger. Unger anchored the line and as a two-time Pro Bowler is key in keeping Brees upright. The timetable for Unger’s return should see him back before the season begins, but if not, then the Saints will lose a huge asset.

Then in the middle of June, another offensive player was injured. Terron Armstead, the veteran left tackle in New Orleans, suffered a torn labrum that required surgery to repair, with an excepted recovery time of 4-6 months. Armstead was another important member of the Saints line, perhaps the most pivotal component.

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When the Saints drafted Ramczyk at the end of the first round (No. 32 overall), fans were flabbergasted. Now, it’s actually looking like a great deal for both involved. With Ramczyk on the road to recovery and two injuries already, Ramczyk is on pace to take Armstead’s spot. It’s a little bit premature as we haven’t seen much of Ramczyk yet, but he’s a great alternative until Armstead is healthy.

Ramczyk not only brings a healthy body to the line, but will be learning from a veteran. NOLA.com reported this offseason that Ramczyk has been working with Zach Strief. Strief has been in the league for 12 years and is perfect to mentor Ramczyk. With so much experience, he’s only focused on making good plays and could help Ramczyk find a similar attitude.

It seemed like Ramczyk would be battling for a spot, but now it’s his time to shine. As a left tackle in college, it would only be natural to place him in Armstead’s spot. This will also allow the Saints to keep Andrus Peat at guard instead of moving him outside.

Next: NFL 2017: 20 Players with best chance at 2K receiving yards

What might have seemed like a puzzling move at first may have been the right one. Ramczyk might not be a permanent solution to their injury woes, but he has plenty of time to develop and become an impact player.

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